"People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart."
I Samuel 16:7
This week Bonnie, over at Faith Barista has given us the prompt word, "beauty" to reflect on. Beauty is a word that the world uses to define our outward appearance. How tall, how thin, how young, how glowing, how altered or air-brushed by man. Are we ever enough? This would be the world's definition of beauty, but we are not just bodies, we are hearts.
While reading Ann Voskamp's book "The Greatest Gift", I came upon this verse in I Samuel where we are told people judge the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart The eyes of God look into our hearts. Quite a contrast from the latest fashion show or pageant where women are judged by how they look and what they wear.
Don't get me wrong, as women we enjoy being told we are beautiful.....my 67 year old husband tells me, his 65 year old wife, that I am beautiful. He can still make me blush, but I confess I like hearing it. Gray haired, overweight, wrinkled skin, make-up free face and all. That is what love does....through the eyes of love Joel sees me as beautiful.
He also tells me I am beautiful on the inside, but when the Lord looks at my heart what does he see? Well, I am sure there is not much beauty to be found within until the Son shows up, but when Love enters, beauty rises. Through His Holy Presence we are all made beautiful and whole. We are enough. Thank you Jesus!
We know we are to take care of our bodies, scripture tell us they are the temple of God. But the Bible also speaks often on the importance of the heart, where Jesus resides. We are to guard our hearts, to listen carefully to His Word, letting it penetrate deep into our hearts. We are told to forgive our enemies and those who hurt us, and to love one another as He first loved us. We are told these things because God loves us. He not only speaks to our hearts, but through the eyes of love God sees the beauty within. God sees, smiles, and says, "Beautiful!"
5 comments:
I'm glad Joel still tells you that you are beautiful. I'm blessed with a sweet husband who does the same. I'm trying to learn to say thank you and appreciate it and instead of wondering, "Why would he even say that?" Sometimes it's hardest to see our own beauty. I'm glad love sees us better than we see ourselves.
Thankful to come by your blog through the Faith Barista Jam linkup. I always love to meet other bloggers closer to my age, as well! Isn't it wonderful to have a husband who sees us as beautiful even as the years progress?! And even more wonderful to have a God who sees us as His beloved - all because of Jesus. So much to be thankful for ...
"When Love enters, beauty rises. Through His Holy Presence we are all made beautiful and whole. We are enough." Priceless words. Thank you, Renee.
"Well, I am sure there is not much beauty to be found within until the Son shows up, but when Love enters, beauty rises."
Yes, this. In Him, through Him.
What a precious gift to have a husband who tells you how beautiful you are both inside and out. And you are so right. It is what's inside our hearts that truly matters to the Lord. So glad that He sees Jesus when He looks at me. So thankful for His grace.
Blessings and love,
Debbie
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