This question was asked to me and a group of women I was communing with during Bible study. The study was ironically called "Get Free." A woman in her thirties hesitantly offered to share her response first. She began by telling how in society, women are given this ideal of beauty and expectations and how she felt she did not fit these expectations. She grievously spoke about how she didn't like her hair, teeth, and the fact that she didn't wear make-up.
I felt God's heart in that moment, and I was reminded of the scripture I had seen earlier that day.She then turn to me and complimented me on how put together I looked. My first response was to criticize myself.
For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.
Ephesians 2:10
Christ's masterpiece.
God does not make mistakes. We are all beautiful in our own way.
You want to know the real purpose of our bodies? It's not to fit a certain jean size, to look good in a swimsuit, or to have perfect hair. It's to bring honor to God. Yes, honor your temple (a dwelling place of God, for he lives in us. We can do this by being devoted to worship and welcoming him into every aspect of our lives). (See 1 Corinthians 6:12-20). So, take care of yourself, but understand that true beauty comes from within (See 1 Peter 3:3-4). God looks at the heart (See 1 Samuel 16:7).
Imagine if we didn't look at ourselves or other people with judgmental eyes when we fall below society's beauty standards. Begin to see yourself through God's eyes....
My beloved..."You are altogether beautiful, my darling; there is no flaw in you" Song of Solomon 4:7Eyes that saw you in your mother's womb and intricately knit you together according to his perfection (See Psalm 139:13).
Peace and Love,
Courtney
