“Do not let your adorning be external– the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear– but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God’s sight is very precious.”
1 Peter 3:3-4
We’ve all read or heard this verse before, and it’s easy to brush past the message. Yes, yes, inner beauty, gentle and quiet spirit, blah blah blah. Most of us never think about this verse in our day to day life, especially since media is constantly blasting messages that encourages us to focus on and perfect our outer beauty. We often never think about inner beauty until we encounter someone who embodies it.
When I think of women I want to spend time with, each of them are beautiful, inside and out. These women shine with the radiance of God’s love, are confident in Him, and welcome all they encounter. They are always beautiful, because their beauty is supernatural and eternal. People are drawn to them, they are attractive in every setting and situation, and they represent Jesus.
Here are a few of my favorite verses about inner beauty:
“She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.”
Proverbs 31:26
The Proverbs 31 woman is often referred to as a paradigm to strive towards for all females. She seems totally unrealistic and is obviously #hustling night and day. Dissect the passage verse by verse though, and she seems much more like our best friend or A+ mom than an unattainable CEO/lifestyle blogger/Insta-famous queen. Everyone has a basic idea of what it means to be kind, though. We all know at least one kind person, and we all have a few nuggets of wisdom to share with a hurting friend or confused relative. Reading God’s word and surrounding yourself with wise people is the easiest, simplest way to find wisdom. It’s easy to think that wisdom comes from personal experience or perfectly-constructed proverbs, but true wisdom comes from scripture. The World’s advice will change like the tide, but God’s Word is permanent.
What comes out of your mouth is what dwells in your heart, so be careful to think kindly of others as well as speaking kindly. Try to see each person as Jesus sees them. He died for everyone and His Spirit lives within us– if He can love your whining coworker or gossiping classmate, then so can you. Notice this verse says “the teaching of kindness”. The best way to teach is by example, and people often rise to meet the standards that their peers set. If you walk in kindness, you will attract kindness.
“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”
John 16:33
The women I know who have inner beauty are often not overly concerned with their outer beauty. They have a smile and hug for everyone, regardless of the day’s events. Their confidence is unshakable, and even fashion magazines will tell us that confidence is attractive. A beautiful soul comes from security in something stronger and greater than yourself. A beautiful soul knows that Christ has overcome every bad day, every tragedy, and every struggle. There is nothing too big and scary for God, so what do we have to fear? When there is no reason for fear, then we can walk in FREEDOM. Too many women are afraid to open up to others and lead because they are chained to their past, to their sins, to expectations. Christ has broken every chain, so there is nothing to hold us back from turning our face to the Son and letting Him make us radiant.
If you don’t have any women in your life that provide an example of inner beauty, I urge you to join a Bible study, sign up for your church’s women’s conference, or start volunteering weekly at your place of worship. Beautiful things are attracted to beautiful things, and there’s nothing more beautiful than our Heavenly Father. Find your security in Him and love as He loves, and you will always be beautiful.
Photo Courtesy of Apricity Photography
Sustaining Me 
Always beautiful. I love the way God has gifted you. Thank you for the reminder of the important things….
LikeLike