What does it mean to be beautiful from a Christian perspective.

 

Our society constantly has these changing views and expectations of what beauty is and what it should be and it can be really hard on us all to try and meet these unrealistic expectations. I in particular have struggled to cope with them and have fallen short to comparing myself to others and feeling insecure in myself as a result. Recently, for some reason I have struggled with it a lot more and so I decided to talk to God about it and seek his guidance. What I realized was that God had been showing me what the right standards with regards to what beauty was all along through the Bible, however I just wasn't listening or understanding at the time, but now that I finally do, I want to share with you all what I have learnt and understood about the standards of Beauty God wants us to have. 

What some people don't realise is that the Bible has a great deal to say about both inner and outer beauty. There are many women in the Bible who are noted for their beautiful appearance such as Sarah, Rebekah, Rachael, Abigail, Bathsheba and Esther ( Gen 12:11;24:16;29:17;Sam25:3;Sam11:2;Esth2:7). Beauty is mentioned with each of these women and Queen Esther  even had a beauty regimen. 

However, a Christian women's appearance is not just about what you see from the outside, a Christian women's appearance should be a compliment to her inner spirit and never be a barrier to the Kingdom of God. The Bible makes it so clear that while society believes in beauty being an appealing face and the latest fashion trend, for a Godly women  it is so much more than that. For a Godly women the most important things are; good hygiene, healthy skincare, appropriate attire and gracious manners. The reason for this is it presents this outwardly appearance that attracts others towards her life and ultimately gives an opportunity for sharing a testimony of the Christ who dwells within her.

( 2 Cor 3:2,3)

The Bible emphasises that a women's countenance is often a mirror to her heart. When she abides in God's love, her facial features tend to soften and lines become tempered. There is this inner peace and joy reflected on her face. Consequently, a women's actions and attitudes are often an indication of where her roots are planted, when her heart is rooted in peace and joy her outward appearance reflects that. She will radiate vitality, enthusiasm, love and a deep sense of wellbeing something which no amount of perfume, makeup, high fashion or personal fitness programme can create. ( prov.4 and 11)

True beauty comes from within and is manifested by pure motives and a generous, unselfish spirit towards others. Jesus alone can establish such a wellspring of love when a women yields her life to him. Ultimately, no beautification regimen or stylish clothes can mask an unattractive heart, unkind words or hurtful actions. 

 I can honestly say since really understanding and learning this I have stopped putting those unrealistic societal standards of what ' being beautiful means' on myself and rather turned to how God wants me to present and view myself. While there are times when I know I will fall short of doing so I know that when I read the word of God I will once again be reminded of what being beautiful actually means and the standards I should be setting myself. 

I really hope that this has helped anyone else who struggled with understanding the right standards to have on themselves. Even if you are not Christian I hope you find an understanding and comfort in the fact that beauty is not all about the outwardly appearance and that being beautiful ultimately comes from within. The standards we have for ourselves should not come from or be influenced by our ever-changing society but rather from ourselves and from God. 

Love always, 

Ruby xo