Sample Articles

Extra from Volume 10#3

by Lydia G.

What do you imagine when you hear the word beauty? The colors of a midsummer sunset? The fragrance of a rose? The roar of ocean waves crashing against a cliff? Many times we think as beauty as only physical attractiveness, but there is so much more than outward beauty. As daughters of the King of Kings we should not be overly focused with making ourselves beautiful. We should instead focus on developing true inner beauty. I have heard from many young ladies, how when they were younger they were very insecure, always comparing themselves to others and trying to seek approval and praise from others. Yet instead of trying to please others, why not seek to try to please the Lord in all we do?

I am reminded of a verse in Ephesians that speaks of a list of godly character that we should strive to become. Ephesians 5:22-23 says, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance, against such there is no law.”

LOVE

Showing love to others can be very difficult at times. First of all you should focus on loving the Lord with all of your heart, then you will find it much easier to love others, with the love of God in you. Your love for God should show in the way you treat others. Showing love to others is an important part of true inner beauty.

JOY

Being joyful is a large part of having true inner beauty. You would not think that someone who was beautiful to be sad, angry, or unhappy. You would think as them with a smile on their face and happy and full of joy. Practicing being joyful will lead you to be truly beautiful.

PEACE

True peace comes from the Father above. Learning to love and trust Him will bring you true peace in your salvation, and having peace will leave you with true inner beauty.

LONGSUFFERING

Long suffering or patience to your siblings, parents, and others is an important part of having true beauty. “But the fruit of the Spirit is long suffering.”

GENTLENESS

Gentleness is important to show we you feel angry and impatient with a younger brother or sister. Being a good example and showing gentleness to your brothers and sisters will be very rewarding, as it will help gain their trust.

GOODNESS

Goodness. Showing goodness to others will help you store up treasures in Heaven. Being “good” can be hard, but as we ask, Christ will give us strength. Showing goodness to others will add so much inward beauty to your life.

FAITH

Faith, having faith in the Lord and rusting Him to work all things out for good can be difficult, but we must remember that God is the creator of the universe and He is the one that made you and that you can put all your trust in Him for He is sovereign.

MEEKNESS

Many Biblical characters displayed a meek and humble spirit, and we can learn from their example. Jesus was a very meek man. Let us learn to follow in the footsteps of our Savior and have true meekness.

TEMPERANCE

Temperance (self-control) is when you feel angry or impatient, and having self-control to respond with a sweet, calm attitude. Mastering self-control is difficult and you will need the help of the Holy Spirit.

Showing love, joy, peace, long suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance does not happen overnight. First you have to ask the Lord to help you grow in the fruits of the Spirit, and you must daily study His Word and spend time with Him in prayer. May the Lord bless you as you seek His face.

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