Beauty

<<loveliness, good looks>>

We should dress appropriately as well as attractively and look after our bodies, which are the temple of the Holy Spirit, but not to be overly concerned about or spend undue time and money on the physical features over which we have little control (1 Cor 6:19; Eph 5:28). However, the emphasis should be on transforming our inner character into that which is fitting for a Christian because “beauty doesn’t last

Is inward beauty radiating from my life?

but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised” (Prov 31:30; Mt 6:25). “Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being [or can be] renewed day by day” (2 Cor 4:16). Personality qualities such as love, helpfulness, consideration, patience and self-control amongst other things are what makes a beautiful spirit (Gal 5:22,23). This is appropriate for God’s followers (1 Tim 2:9,10).

The beauty of Jesus’ character (including a right motive, good attitude and a clean spirit) developed in the inner person is of much greater and lasting

quality than a façade of ‘bought and applied’ makeup that comes in a tube or jar (1 Pet 3:1-4).

Self-worth should not depend on external appearance but rather the price Jesus paid for us.

The ministry of Jesus was prophesied to exchange the ashes and shame of past failure into what gives pleasure and to be admired (Isa 61:3).