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What Does the Bible Say About Beauty? – Viral Believer
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What Does the Bible Say About Beauty?

Introduction

Beauty is an elusive concept that has fascinated humans for centuries. We live in a world where external beauty is often emphasized and celebrated, and many people spend a significant amount of time and money trying to achieve these standards of beauty.

As Christians, it is important to ask ourselves: What does the Bible say about beauty? Does God care about our physical appearance? How can we balance external beauty with inner beauty? This post will explore these questions and more.

The concept of beauty is mentioned throughout the Bible, and it takes on different meanings in various contexts.

In the Old Testament, we see the importance of physical beauty in romantic relationships and worship, and in the New Testament, we see a shift in focus from external beauty to inner beauty.

Jesus taught that inner beauty is more important than external beauty, and the apostles emphasized the importance of inner character and humility.

As Christians, our understanding of beauty should be grounded in God’s character and His Word. While physical beauty is not unimportant, inner beauty is more valuable in the eyes of God. We should strive to reflect God’s beauty in our lives and reject harmful cultural beauty standards.

Ultimately, our understanding of beauty should lead us to appreciate God’s love and grace and share the Gospel with others.

beauty in the Bible

Beauty in the Old Testament

The concept of beauty is mentioned throughout the Old Testament, and it takes on different meanings in various contexts.

Physical beauty in Genesis

In Genesis, we see the importance of physical beauty in the story of Rachel and Leah. Jacob was attracted to Rachel’s beauty and wanted to marry her. However, Laban tricked Jacob into marrying Leah instead. This story shows how physical beauty can be a factor in romantic relationships.

Beauty in worship and the temple in Exodus and Leviticus

In Exodus and Leviticus, we see how God cares about the beauty of the temple and the items used in worship. For example, God gave detailed instructions for the design of the tabernacle, which included gold, silver, and other precious materials. This attention to beauty shows how our worship can be a reflection of our love and honor for God.

Beauty in poetry and literature in Psalms and Song of Solomon

The books of Psalms and Song of Solomon are full of poetry and literature that celebrate beauty. The Song of Solomon, in particular, describes the beauty of the beloved in great detail. This type of beauty is not just physical but also includes inner qualities such as kindness and wisdom.

Beauty in the New Testament

In the New Testament, we see a shift in focus from external beauty to inner beauty.

Jesus’ teachings on beauty

Jesus taught that inner beauty is more important than external beauty.

In Matthew 23:27-28, He says, “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs which indeed appear beautiful outwardly, but inside are full of dead men’s bones and all uncleanness. Even so you also outwardly appear righteous to men, but inside you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness.”

Jesus is saying that it is better to be beautiful on the inside than to appear beautiful on the outside but have a corrupt heart.

The beauty of humility and service

In Philippians 2:3-4, Paul writes, “Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.” This type of humility and service is a beautiful way to live our lives.

The beauty of inner character

In 1 Peter 3:3-4, Peter writes, “Do not let your adornment be merely outward—arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel—rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God.”

This verse emphasizes the importance of inner beauty and character.

Beauty in Christian Living

As Christians, our understanding of beauty should be grounded in God’s character and His Word.

The role of beauty in Christian worship

Beauty has a role in Christian worship, as seen in the Old Testament. However, it is important to remember that external beauty is not the most important aspect of worship. Rather, our worship should be focused on honoring and glorifying God.

Beauty as a reflection of God’s character

God’s character is often described as beautiful in the Bible. Psalm 27:4 says, “One thing I have desired of the Lord, that will I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to inquire in His temple.”

As we seek to imitate God, we can strive to reflect His beauty in our lives.

Balancing external and internal beauty

While inner beauty is more important than external beauty, that does not mean we should neglect our physical appearance. It is important to take care of our bodies and present ourselves in a way that honors God.

However, we should not place too much emphasis on external beauty to the detriment of our inner character.

Beauty and Culture

Our understanding of beauty is often shaped by our culture. However, as Christians, we should be careful not to conform to the world’s standards of beauty.

The danger of cultural beauty standards

Culture’s definition of beauty can be harmful, especially when it leads to the objectification of people. As Christians, we should reject these harmful standards and instead focus on inner beauty.

Celebrating diversity and unique beauty

God has created each of us uniquely, and we should celebrate this diversity in beauty. Romans 12:4-5 says, “For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another.”

Each person has a unique role to play in the body of Christ, and this includes a unique form of beauty.

Using beauty for positive impact

Beauty can be used for good in the world. For example, we can appreciate the beauty of nature and use it as a reminder of God’s power and creativity. We can also use our own beauty to spread God’s love and kindness to others.

Beauty and Salvation

Ultimately, our understanding of beauty should be grounded in our salvation through Jesus Christ.

The ultimate beauty in heaven

Revelation 21:10-11 describes the beauty of the holy city, New Jerusalem:

“And he carried me away in the Spirit to a great and high mountain, and showed me the great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God, having the glory of God. Her light was like a most precious stone, like a jasper stone, clear as crystal.” This is the ultimate beauty that we will experience in heaven.

Beauty as a reflection of God’s love and grace

God’s beauty is a reflection of His love and grace toward us. As we seek to understand and appreciate beauty, we can also grow in our understanding of God’s love and grace.

The role of beauty in sharing the Gospel

Beauty can be used as a tool to share the Gospel with others. By living a life of inner beauty, we can draw others to Christ. We can also use our creativity and talents to create beautiful works of art that point to God’s goodness and love.

Conclusion

In conclusion, beauty is a complex concept that is intertwined with our understanding of God and our relationship with Him. While physical beauty can be a factor in romantic relationships and worship, our focus should be on inner beauty and character.

As Christians, we should reject harmful cultural beauty standards and celebrate the diversity of beauty that God has created in each of us.

Our understanding of beauty should lead us to appreciate God’s love and grace and share the Gospel with others. We can use our creativity and talents to create beautiful works of art that point to God’s goodness and love. We can also live a life of inner beauty, drawing others to Christ through our love and service.

Ultimately, as we seek to understand and appreciate beauty, we can grow in our understanding of God’s character and His Word.

We can appreciate the ultimate beauty that we will experience in heaven and strive to reflect that beauty in our lives on earth. May our pursuit of beauty always lead us closer to God and His will for our lives.

Pastor Duke Taber
Pastor Duke Taber

Pastor Duke Taber

All articles have been written or reviewed by Pastor Duke Taber.
Pastor Duke Taber is an alumnus of Life Pacific University and Multnomah Biblical Seminary.
He has been in pastoral ministry since 1988.
Today he is the owner and managing editor of 3 successful Christian websites that support missionaries around the world.
He is currently starting a brand new church in Mesquite NV called Mesquite Worship Center, a Non-Denominational Spirit Filled Christian church in Mesquite Nevada.