Are YOU as Beautiful on the Inside as YOU are on the Outside?

by clossen

Many times people say “you are beautiful on the inside and the outside”. I kind of let that sink in and I asked myself, “Am I as beautiful on the inside as I am the outside?”

A lot of women have issues believing they are beautiful, but I’m not so much talking about physical beauty, but the beauty of the inner being. It’s also difficult to believe what the word of God says about yourself when people mistreat you and say negative things over or about you (which can happen if you walk into Walmart). Knowing who you are in Christ is so important especially when people say negative or abusive words out of anger or just plain senselessness.

God says, “Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.” 1 Peter 3:3-4.

The gist of that passage is that God is concerned with our heart condition! He is not so much concerned with our physical appearance.

God’s desire is for our inner man be pure and beautiful. What does that look like?

“When they arrived, Samuel took one look at Eliab and thought, “Surely this is the Lord’s anointed!” But the Lord said to Samuel, “Don’t judge by his appearance or height, for I have rejected him. The Lord doesn’t see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” Then Jesse told his son Abinadab to step forward and walk in front of Samuel. But Samuel said, “This is not the one the Lord has chosen.” Next Jesse summoned Shimea, but Samuel said, “Neither is this the one the Lord has chosen.” In the same way all seven of Jesse’s sons were presented to Samuel. But Samuel said to Jesse, “The Lord has not chosen any of these.” Then Samuel asked, “Are these all the sons you have?” “There is still the youngest,” Jesse replied. “But he’s out in the fields watching the sheep and goats.” “Send for him at once,” Samuel said. “We will not sit down to eat until he arrives.” So Jesse sent for him. He was dark and handsome, with beautiful eyes. And the Lord said, “This is the one; anoint him.” So as David stood there among his brothers, Samuel took the flask of olive oil he had brought and anointed David with the oil. And the Spirit of the Lord came powerfully upon David from that day on. Then Samuel returned to Ramah.”

‭‭1 Samuel‬ ‭16:6-13‬ ‭

Samuel was sent to find a king because of Saul’s disobedience and God’s chosen was not at all what others thought he should look like. But his HEART was right before God. He doesn’t look at people as we look at them physically but he looks internally at the heart. David was a little shepherd boy but God knew what he was doing. God is more concerned with the conditions of our heart’s than what we look like. He commands us to love the lord our God with our whole heart, but the second command is alike, to love our neighbor as ourself.

I was pondering the scripture “search my heart for any wicked way” as it say’s in Psalm. God showed me things that needed to change. As Christian’s, we should always be checking ourselves first. To have a gentle spirit and one that loves all even when manipulated or provoked, to think the best of people, and to forgive quickly are all attributes that God loves. Everyone want’s the mic until they have to talk about their own faults!

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” To be more Christ like is to be beautiful on the inside.

Self control is the last thing your flesh wants when someone does you wrong! You want to let that person “have it”! I can remember one patient that I had at the hospital and this person drove me to the end of my patience. I wanted to let out my “crazy” on them, but God whispered in my ear “they need the love of Jesus”. At that point, I realized God had asked me to show them His LOVE! God asks of us to control ourselves and let him handle the rest. Are you a leader and aggressive with your words? Are you an employer and slandering your boss? Have you been lied to and mistreated and want revenge? These are all things God say’s “give to me”. Instead He asks of us to love in return!

Corinthian’s tells us what love is not “It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” It is not self seeking! Real love is authentic and wants the best for other’s even when evil has been paid. It is not fake but it is the truest form of love!

To read the passage out of Corinthian’s is so easy but to act on it when you are slandered is difficult. In addition, true authentic love is what God is looking for. If our heart’s and our actions do not align, it’s not the authentic love of the Father. I leave you with this question. I don’t care who you are. We all need to ask ourselves this. No one is too big, too good or too “Holy” for it.

Are you as beautiful on the inside as you are on the outside?

Think about it.

Lord I pray that you bring my heart and the readers’ heart to conviction. That we would truly love like you love. Your love is greater than life! I pray we experience that love and show that love to others.