You are beautiful!

 

You are beautiful. You need to know it, you need to see it and you will portray it.

There is more than being beautiful outside alone, there is being beautiful inside and how you treat others will also reflect your beauty. If you don't treat others with love, compassion and respect, perhaps you need to reevaluate yourself.  Our character will make us desirable to be around or not. Being beautiful isn't about being arrogant and flaunting it, as that doesn't make you beautiful, it reflects the total opposite. How you treat others around you and how you care for yourself and others, also reflects ones beauty. We can train ourselves to be virtues. Knowing what God says about you, makes you beautiful as well. 

 

 

Ps 139:14

¹⁴ I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.

 

 



Character is:                                              

: the way someone thinks, feels, and behaves : someone's personality
: a set of qualities that are shared by many people in a group, country, etc.

 

Character is a spiritual Fruit that is built from our real, godly relationship and commitment to Christ as LORD. It is the fiber of our moral center that stretches throughout our being, embracing and holding together our relationships when it is sealed as a choice and commitment, and not just a feeling or a personality. Character synergistically combines with the Fruit of the Spirit and the seventy or so other characters of our Lord to promote our ability to relate and grow in our relations, to better others as well as ourselves. Let us take a quick look at the main characters that all flow from God's love to us and the work of the Sprit by the way of the Fruit of the Spirit.

John tells us that He must increase and we must decrease (John 3:29-30). If we refuse this vital call, God just may allow those hardships to come our way, breaking us down so we will yield and grow as His child. Just as a good loving parent will discipline his child, we, too, will receive discipline. But, this is not a personal attack; rather it is a way we can grow and be better used by our Lord (1 Cor. 1:30; Col. 1:27; 1 Thess. 4:3; 5:23-24; 1 Pet. 1:5). We have to be willing to be identified with Him no matter what the cost, as the rewards will be far greater than we could ever imagine! So, are you willing to reduce yourself to the real you? The person as you are called by Jesus Christ to be? So that He is greater in character and precepts in your trust and faith, and in your obedience and application of life? And, so you become less in your will, aspirations, lust, and sin?

In order to exhibit character, the flow from the Fruit of the Holy Spirit must be accessed and developed (Galatians 5:22-23). If you take the fruit off the vine, it will wither and rot; if the vine is not cared for, the tree will die. So it is with love, Fruit of the Spirit and Character in general. It requires our tending, these are the things that we train/teach our children when they are young. As we are in the process of "growing up", sometimes we forget to cultivate our Godly character and we must reevaluate and begin to cultivate them once again. In them is the very character of Christ and it will draw people to us. This then becomes a blessing in our relationships whether they are in our homes, in school, or in business and all that we do.

Here is a list of Godly characters. These are essential to growing a healthy and lasting relationship. Ask yourself these six questions and see if there is anything keeping you from the characters of Christ:

1. Is this character working in me?

2. How do I now exhibit this character in my daily life?

3. How can I use this character to develop a better willingness to respond to others-especially to the ones I love-with a since of awe, and fear of God, and respect for people?

4. What blocks this character from working and being exhibited in me?

5. How can I make this character function better, stronger, and faster, even in times of uncertainly and stress?

6. Think through the steps you would take to put this character into action in a specific instance, or, to improve it. Consider the examples from the passages in God's Word.

The Galatians Fruits: (Galatians 5:22-23)

·Love will enable us to appreciate our brothers and sisters in the Lord, and, of course, our family, and others around us. Love is taking the initiative to build up and meet the needs of others without expecting anything in return. (John 13:1; 15:13; 1 Corinthians 13:3)

· Joy will allow us to enjoy His creation, others, and our circumstances with an expression of delight and real, authentic happiness from and with harmony with God and others. (Proverbs 15:13; John 15:11; 17:13)

· Peace is surrendering and yielding to the Lord's control, for He is our ultimate peace! It is allowing tranquility to be our tone and to control our equanimity. This will be fueled by our harmonious relationship with God so we can hand over control of our heart, will, and mind to Him. Once we make real peace with God, we will be able to make and maintain peace with others. (Matthew 5:9; Colossians 3:15; Philippians 4:7)

· Patience is showing tolerance and fortitude to others, and even accepting difficult situations from them and God without making demands and conditions. (Matthew 27:14; Romans 12:12; James 1:3,12)

· Kindness is practicing benevolence and a loving attitude towards others. (Ephesians 4:32)

· Goodness displays integrity, honesty, and compassion to others, and allows us to do the right thing. (Matthew 19:16)

· Faithfulness is the "gluing" fruit that will preserve our faith and the other characters of the Spirit as well as identify God's Will so we can be dependable and trusting to God and others. (Matthew 17:19; 25:21; 1 Cor. 12:9; Hebrews 11:1; 1 Thess. 5:24)

· Gentleness is the character that will show calmness, personal care, and tenderness in meeting the needs of others. (Isa. 40:11; Phil. 4: 5; 2 Timothy 2:24; 1 Thess. 2:7)

· Self-Control will allow us to have discipline, and restraint with obedience to God and others. (1 Thess. 5: 22)

More Biblical Fruits:

· Forgiving is the realization of how much we have been forgiven by Christ. This enables us to forgive the insignificant things that are done to us. It involves not being resentful to others, and ignoring the wrongs that we have received so we can heal relationships by expressing Christ's love. (Luke 23:34; Ephesians 4:32; Colossians 3:13)

· Humility minimizes arrogance and removes pride. It is understanding our fallen nature and tendency to think we are better than we are, and our striving to lift up ourselves above others and God. It is admitting that others, and more importantly God is responsible for our achievements. Humbleness will enable us to be a teachable person who is willing to have the attitude of submission and servant-hood, one who confesses sin and remembers how Christ served us! (Luke 22:27; Phil. 2:8; 1 Peter 5:3-5)

· Fairness sees a situation from the viewpoint of each person involved and not just ours. It seeks the best, just, equable solution, even if it hurts us. (Matthew 7:12)

· Courage realizes that God has given us the strength to face any situation, trial, or peril. It is the ability to react, knowing that God is in control, that He who is in me is greater than he who is against me. (Deuteronomy 31:6; 1 John 4:4)

· Friendship is the companionship and closeness we are to have with one another. It is the commitment to help form the character in others. This is not to be feared but embraced, even when it hurts! (Proverbs 27:17)

· Honesty & Truthfulness mean being straight and honest with others and doing what is right. This trait will allow us to earn trust by being accurate with facts and situations. (2 Cor. 8:21; Ephesians 4:25)

· Dependable is being constantly reliable and trustworthy. It will allow us to continue in our commitments even if it means personal sacrifice. (1 Corinthians 4:2; Colossians 1:10)

· Gratitude is an attitude of being thankful, even when we do not see what we have. This is an aspect of worship, expressing to God and others how they have benefited our lives by showing their support and benevolence. (1 Corinthians 4:7; 1 Thess. 5: 18)

· Responsibility is to know and do what God and others expect. (Romans 14:12)

· Contentment is the attitude of accepting whatever God provides for us, and being happy with it. It does not seek what we do not need for gratification, and does not find happiness in the shallow things of life. (Rom. 9:19-21; Phil. 4: 10-13; 1 Tim. 6:6-9)

· Generosity allows us to give to others because God has given abundantly to us. It is the wise use of stewardship and the attitude that all I have belongs to God and knowing we are the caretakers for His purpose. (Deut. 16:17; Matthew 10:8)

· Purity & Holiness is being set apart for God's use, which is holiness in action. It does not allow us to be contaminated nor interfere with others in our growth and relationship in Christ. (Matt. 5:8; Phil. 4:8; 1 Tim. 1:5; 5:22; James 4:8)

· Confidence helps us rely on the Lord for all things in our life. It will enable us to push forward in the direction that we are called because He is governing. It makes us realize we are not responsible for the results--only the obedience. (Philippians 4:13)

· Encouragement will lift, support, and help others up through difficult circumstances, all from God's perspective. (Psalm 119:28; 143:3; Matt. 3:17; John 14:1; 1 Thess. 5:11-14)

· Availability is being willing to adjust our own schedule, agenda, and plans to fit the right desires of God and others. It makes personal priorities secondary to the needs of God and others. It is to reflect God's priorities so we are always available to Him and others when we are serving. (Mark 1:17-18; Acts 16:10)

· Attentiveness will recognize the value of other people by giving them listening ears, respect, courtesy, and total concentration. This means paying attention to others, not just listening to our own needs and desires, and also giving genuine contemplation to God's Word. (Hebrews 2:1)

· Wisdom truly desires the knowledge of God's Word and the proper application to our life. This will enable us to make good judgments and decisions. (1 Kings 3:9; Psalm 119:97-98)

· Compassion will feel the pain and plight of others. It will enable us to convey a deep feeling of love and concern that moves us to meet their distresses, struggles, and needs. (Job 29:13; Isa. 40:11; Mark 1:41; Luke 19:4; 1 Peter 3:8)

· Enthusiasm will enable us to overcome disappointments and setbacks, so we can be positive, optimistic, and keep up our interest, attitude, and zeal, even when things are harsh. (Matt: 5:16; Rom. 12:11; Gal. 6:9; Col. 3:23)

· Initiative will take the front position to recognize and do what needs to be done before being asked to do it. (Prov. 22:29; Philippians 3:14; 4:13-15)

· Diligence allows us to operate with our best for His highest with excitement and passion in order to complete our work and call from the Lord. (Prov. 10:4; Rom. 12:11; Colossians 3:23)

· Thoughtfulness considers and gives attention and care to others and their feelings first. (Philippians 2:4)

· Efficient is being well organized, competent, and resourceful so we can make the most of every situation, doing our best and seeking better ways. (Psalm 90:12; Ephesians 4:23; 5:15- 16; 1 Pet. 4:10)

· Discretion keeps our minds and focus on sound judgment, giving serious attention and thought to what is going on. It will carefully choose our words, attitudes, and actions to be right for any given situation, thus avoiding words and actions that could result in adverse consequences. (Psalm 112:5; Proverbs 22:3; Rom.12: 2, 9; 14:19, 22)

· Optimism will think the best of and be positive with people and all situations, even if later proven wrong. (Luke 21:18; John 16:33; Romans 8:25; 28)

· Obedience is submitting to do what God requires of us. It is also recognizing the authority and direction from others, such as the pastor and church, so we can create winning situations. (Deut. 13: 4; Prov. 19:16; John 14:14; 15:14; 2 Corinthians 10:5)


· Reverence is recognizing and respecting people, not just because of their position and authority, but as brothers and sisters in the Lord, regardless of their personality, knowing He loves them too! (1 Peter 2:13-14)

These fruits of the Spirit of God are the pillars to all of our relationships.

If we don't, then we have a combination of these:

The only thing that comes from any of these are frustration and no peace. Align ourselves back to the character of Christ and our inward beauty will draw those around us and cause the blessings to overtake us.

How We See Ourselves Reflect How Others See Us.

Women, we are precious! Precious you say? Yes, Precious. Precious is something that at times we would like to feel and at times don't. Women are vital to life itself and are usually are in the mode of continually giving out. This blog is about giving back to women in the way of nurturing us back to just how important we are.

The meaning of Precious from the Webster's Dictionary is:

1. Characterized by feeling or showing fond affection for; "children are precious". 2. Of high worth or cost; "diamonds, sapphires, rubies, and emeralds are precious stones". 3. Held in great esteem for admirable qualities especially of an intrinsic nature; "precious memories". 4. Of great price; costly; as, a precious stone. 5. Of great value or worth; very valuable; highly esteemed; dear; beloved; as, precious recollections. 6. Being valuable, dear, costly, expensive or pricey. 7. Being beloved, darling or popular.

Often women's value is hidden due to lack of self esteem and knowledge of her worth. Lack of self esteem and self worth comes from many roots, childhood, relationships and not knowing ones value. We can overcome lack of self esteem and self worth in knowing who we are. Knowing who we are, will peal layers of negative comments people have said about us and what others think about us that has hidden our value. Each women is precious, highly costly and highly valued.

It is great when people who are around us think that we are great and tell us so, but it is quite another thing when we are in relationships or around others that belittle us. We will discuss those relationships in another blog, but for now, who do you see in the mirror?

Who do you see in the mirror? Do you wonder who you are looking at and what happened to the person you once were? I am not talking about how we age, but do you see a confident, bold women looking back at you? Do you like who you see and know who you are? Who is the image that is looking back at you in the mirror?

The Bible says in Proverbs 31: 10 in the Message Bible says: A good woman is hard to find, and worth far more than diamonds. In the King James version it says ....far more than rubies. There is a high value on diamonds and rubies and God measures a women to be far more than diamonds or rubies. Wow, we need to align ourselves with what God says about us as we look into the mirror. We need to change our image on how we see ourselves, we are the only ones that can change that. How we see ourselves, reflects how others see us.

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