The BeatitudesSample

Beauty in God’s Eyes

Written By: Lisa Tchvidjian

“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.”—1 Peter 3:4 (NKJV)

When I was in high school, I was in detention twice a week. The detention teacher and I actually became good friends. I wasn’t a bad kid. I got good grades and loved the Lord, but I also loved to talk. So when I read this verse, I always take a deep breath and ask myself, “Do I have a gentle and quiet spirit?” Gentle and quiet are not words I would generally use to describe myself. So what is it that makes us precious in the eyes of God?

The dictionary definition of gentle is kind. God is looking for kind people who will love and care for others. Look up 1 Corinthians 13. This is what God wants to see manifested in our lives. Another definition of gentle is using little force. We may be good at loving others, but we also like to control the ones we love. God wants us to love others without forcing our expectations on them. He wants us to gently encourage, inspire, and even correct at times. Sometimes a gentle nudge will do much more in the heart of another than a shove ever could.

God is also looking for a quiet and peaceful spirit. I often think that worrying is my job as a parent. And let’s face it, our children give us plenty to worry about. But God thinks differently. He wants me to be at peace in my spirit, trusting Him for all things. When I allow worry to occupy my mind, I don’t sleep at night and I feel anxious during the day. Those I love feel the effects of my worry in our home. God wants to give us the peace that passes understanding as the Bible describes it. He knows the opposition we face at work and in our families. This quiet spirit is not a person who has a perfect life. It’s someone who is at peace in spite of the challenges life brings.

DIG: Bring your worries to God in prayer today. Allow Him to fill your heart with peace.

DISCOVER: Read through 1 Corinthians 13. Which of these attributes do you struggle with most? 

DISPLAY: Find someone you can gently encourage today.