In my bible study recently I read verses that struck a powerful chord within my soul.
“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
Gentle and quiet were not my strong points… in fact, I am known for being loud, energetic and a force that gets things done.
Many times growing up I was treated as the ‘awkward’ one that was always too loud and just had to much passion and energy. I felt frustrated and angry with God as to why HE made me this way. If I was made in God’s image, then why did he make me in a way that turned people away?
Over the past few years I have been working in God’s strength on speaking only when I should (hard one this…) as well as being more gentle and sensitive to many differing situations. Understanding that everything that I do should be in love, I wanted to ensure that the words of my mouth were always pleasing to God.
God also assured me that he made me the way that I was for HIS purpose. This brought me peace.
We live in a world that values a made up face with makeup more than a natural look. We appreciate more a woman who is adorned beautifully with gold than one who is naked (without adornments).
The word here is telling us that this should not be the case… after all beauty is fleeting.
Do you know of someone that is very beautiful, but their actions and heart is so corrupt and evil? I know of a few and it makes my heart weep. These are people we stay far away from.
But a person who many not be pleasing to the eye, but yet their soul is so beautiful and generous is one in which you can’t help but want to be around all the time. This is what the word of God is telling us about.
Peter is not saying that women can’t be beautiful on the outside, but that we should take heed of what is most important of all – our heart which is our inner beauty.
Being gentle and quiet doesn’t mean that you are a push over. In fact, the truth may be the very opposite.
It takes great strength and character to be quiet and of calm spirit at times when you want to rail and cry…
There are many powerful female leaders that we have seen over time who were successful because they presented their passion with strength, beauty and character. Many of these women rose to the top because they understood the importance of balancing their passions with gentleness.
In the bible we see Hannah and Esther as great examples of this.
Food for thought: How do we develop hearts that are gentle and quiet in spirit? Fearing God. Only God in HIS divine grace and mercy can help those of us that this does not come natural. This is pleasing to HIM and for HIS great purpose.
Prayer: Lord, I need your strength to be a woman of gentle and quiet spirit. Remind me in my times of frustration that I am made in your image. In my adoration and praise, may I be pleasing to you Father for the honor and glory of your kingdom. In Jesus name. Amen
May the God of grace, mercy and peace be with you.
This opened my eyes about being a woman of God, gentle and quiet. Thank you
Praise and glory be to God.
Praise God July… we give HIM all the praise.
“It takes great strength and character to be quiet and of calm spirit…” so very true. Loved this post! A verse that goes excellent with this post is Proverbs 31:30. 🙏🏽
Thanks for reading and providing valuable feedback. God’s richest blessings to you and your family.
Thank you