Looking in the mirror –
When we look in the mirror, do we see a beautiful person staring back? I know I struggle with this, and perhaps we all do in some way. It may be our hair or skin that feels problematic. Or do we like the shape of our eyes? And what about our bodies? Does this leave us feeling defeated, disappointed, or discouraged? God sees our beauty – do we?
What if we looked at our beauty as God does?
We can see beauty as God does by applying Christian beauty attitudes and principles. This is essential in today’s culture. It is impossible to match up on social media. Many of us struggle with body image disorders. In high school, I tried to look like the models in the magazines and fell into Bulimia Nervosa. This dangerous eating disorder can create health issues that stem from binging and purging your food.
Thankfully, I discovered a vital Christian principle, God is beautiful, and we are made in the image of God (Genesis 1:26-27). Also, we are the temple of God, and the Holy Spirit dwells in us (1 Corinthians 3:16). We no longer have to attain and match what society calls “pretty” when we learn how precious we are to the Holy Father.
Jesus commands, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself” (Mark 12:31 ESV). How can we love our neighbor if we do not love ourselves? When we take the time to nurture our souls and bodies, we develop habits that create confidence and self-esteem and are more inclined to be kind, loving, and generous. We can look at self-care and self-love as loving ourselves. Loving ourselves first helps us to love others the way Christ loves.
As we take care of our appearance, ask if we are also taking care of what is on the inside. Adorn ourselves with Christ with the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit that comes from the inner self and is pleasing to God (1 Peter 3:4-5).
Beauty is gentle & pure –
Beauty is holistic – physical, spiritual, what we eat, drink, think, rest, fun time, love, and gratitude. Beauty is not overdone – it is gentle and pure. Beauty comes from inside when the heart is full of kindness and joy. And a woman’s faith is her crowning beauty.
Do we melt reading Song of Solomon 4:7, “You are altogether beautiful, my love; there is no flaw in you.” I know I do.
Self-care for me is as simple as self-love so that I can love others and be Christlike. While we tend to our outer selves, we care for and nurture our inner selves – our spirit and soul- by renewing our minds with God’s word, prayer, worship, and bible study. There is nothing wrong with having nice hair, pretty makeup, and cute clothes, but if we start on the inside, we will develop a pure and gentle beauty pointing to God.
Smiles & Blessings,
Deborah
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Beautifully penned. Thank you and may God’s healing continue to work in and through you.
Tim, thank you so much. Blessings to you.
I think most of us have experienced self-judgement, whether it be physical, mental, spiritual or other characteristics.
This behavior must sadden the heart of Our Creator who makes us in His image.
We are ALL beautiful in His eyes.
Agreed Barbara. We are beautiful because He is beautiful?
And as hard as we try to fend it off, that outer beauty fades (at least in the modern interpretation), but inner beauty has the potential to grow and shine more brightly.
Donna, yes, and our true beauty is of God’s beauty?
As the years have passed, I have come to realize the worth of the beauty found inside me 🙂 May the Lord continue to work in me, making me more like Himself.
Joanne, this is beautiful! Yes, I am finding that too with God’s grace and help.
Learning to see myself as Jesus sees me has been, and still is, a work in progress. Your post is SO beautiful, thank you for your heart to encourage women! You are doing a beautiful job … ??
Ah, thank you so much, Donna. I walk this walk too. Everyday I see more of the beauty of God.?
I hadn’t thought of self-care in this way before, Deborah, “We can look at self-care as loving ourselves. Loving ourselves first helps us to love others the way Christ loves.” This is a well-spoken truth, “Beauty is holistic – it is gentle and pure. Beauty comes from inside.”
Lisa, I have been exploring where faith and beauty intersect. And this is where God is leading, showing His beauty in us.?
“Beauty is not overdone…” Words on marble!
May we be truly beautiful within and without – just like the Father intended.
Thank you, Deborah. ??
Debby, Yes, I love this – May we be truly beautiful within and without – just like the Father intended. Thank you, friend!
These words are as lovely as you are, Deborah!
Lauren, thank you – you are so kind – you are lovely too!!!
Love this!! I post similar content, feel free to check my page out. I would even love for us to follow each other to keep in touch!! 🙂
Hallie, thank you for visiting. I will check out your site too.