In our culture today, we are constantly inundated with beauty tips. Through many forms of media we are promised that anti-wrinkle creams, the latest fashions or even cosmetic augmentation will somehow improve our lives and fill the emptiness we feel inside. But, from God's perspective, our physical qualities are of least importance. God sees our inner self, our heart, and our soul. We cannot fill the void in our lives by “fixing” our external appearance. Physical beauty is lovely, but it does not last nor does it bring us true joy.

“Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; 
but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised” (Proverbs 31:30).

Some of the most wonderful words I have heard a husband say to his wife were,“That looks beautiful on you.” This Christian sister tells that those words were the greatest compliment she had ever received. Was she wearing a particularly nice looking outfit when her husband spoke them? No. Was her jewelry something out of the ordinary? No. It was what she was doing at the time he said those endearing words that makes the statement so special to her. You see, she was reading her Bible.

Her husband had been watching her and observed her actively spending time with the Lord.  He saw the beauty God was producing in and through her and he praised her for it. What a blessing! This husband could see that God’s Spirit was with his lovely wife and he admired the qualities that God was developing in her.

"But the fruit of the Spirit is: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. There is no law against these things” (Galatians 5:22-23).

Can we all develop this kind of beauty? Certainly! As we turn our lives over to Christ and seek to deepen our relationship with Him, He will transform us into new, beautiful creations. This true beauty will be seen in our lives through the fruit we bear. As we turn our focus to the Lord, our hearts are changed and our true beauty, the beauty of Christ, will shine for all to see.

Living for Him,

Be sure to join me on Monday for the "Sharing His Beauty" link-up! It's a great way to start the week giving praises to our Father! (The linky will be open on Sunday night at 6:00 p.m. Pacific Time). See you then!

11 Comments

  1. Joan:

    This is beautiful! Your husband's comments brought tears to my eyes. I agree that is the greatest compliment a husband can make.

    Thank you for sharing at the Grace Cafe.

    Blessings,
    Joan

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  2. Hi Joan - what lovely words. I love that God sees our hearts and I love the story you tell of the husband seeing beauty in his wife's quiet time. I hope people see more of God in me than before. Thank you too, for linking up with me. I truly appreciate it and look forward to linking up with you again on Monday.
    God bless
    Tracy

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  3. This is so true. We need to always remember that the Lord looks on the heart, not our outward appearance. Society has convinced us we need to look good on the outside, but they have also convinced too many that the inside doesn't matter much if at all.

    I love the comment you made on the S.S. blog. Some who "accidentally" go there may read something that is shared that will convince them it was not an accident. That is my hope and prayer.

    The butterfly picture is so beautiful. Have a wonderful weekend, dear Joan.

    Blessings,
    Charlotte

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  4. Beautiful words....a meek and quiet spirit, a heart after God's, a life transformed into His likeness....true beauty.

    Thank you for this reminder....may my life highlight His beauty.

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  5. These are all true, Joan. I remember writing a similar one months ago - "Soul-deep", because you see, our family's business is all about cosmetic active ingredients, so I had been immersed in a beauty that's skin-deep. And 'though the Lord continues to prosper it greatly, we also have learned that TRUE BEAUTY comes from a heart that reflects God's glory.

    That story about the husband telling his wife how beautiful she is while she's deep in the Word is just beautiful!

    Have a blessed weekend,
    Rina

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  6. this is beautiful Joan....and some of the most beautiful people to me are the ones who shine love and peace and kindness. ☺☺

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  7. I've been watching this beauty grow in my granddaughter, and it is truly beautiful to watch her growing in her knowledge of and love for God.

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  8. I often say to my husband when seeing a commercial about 'removing' wrinkles: 'First off the model is in her 20's and second - soft-focus will remove all wrinkles" :)

    I love the comment the husband made to his beloved. May I always display a beauty that comes from spending time with the LORD.

    I will make sure to not miss this week's link-up.

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  9. Amen! I so enjoyed your post, Joan. I'm glad the Lord looks on our inner appearance, our heart, rather than the outer. The best apparel we can wear is indeed the fruit of the Spirit. Praise Him! Thanks for sharing and for your visit. Have a wonderful weekend.

    Blessings,
    Sandi

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  10. Joan,
    I agree! What a beautiful compliment. I shall never forget the day my husband told me, "I see Jesus in you every day." Hallelujah!

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  11. A husband's compliment was truely inspiring. My husband does not compliment often, but one day just as I had washed my hair and had a towel draped around my head, he remarked, "you are so beautiful." I told him, "I am not beautiful now like this." He replied, "honey, you are always beautiful to me." Just the right remark that I needed was there.

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