OF A GENTLE SPIRIT
“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.” I Peter 3:3-4 NKJV
In the Greco-Roman world, women of higher status often expressed wealth and social standing through elaborate hairstyles, expensive jewelry, and fine clothing. Many scholars and stoics greatly criticized the latter and saw it as a form of vanity and moral decay.
With context in mind, Peter emphasizes that true adornment is not an external display as many tend to misinterpret the passage, but internal character which flows from a steadily rooted identity. Women can take care of their appearance, be vocal and interactive while their spirit is quiet. What then is quietness of spirit?
It is how you react, what you run to, and what spills over from the abundance of your heart when hardship comes. A quiet spirit is characterized by thankfulness that is independent from circumstances, joy that is contagious because it is not faked, nurturing and grace that is extended.
Child of God, a gentle spirit reflects the Spirit of Christ, and this meekness is “in the sight of God of great price,” that emphasizes divine approval as the true measure of beauty. Selah!
Prayer: My Father, I thank you for this wisdom. I present my self with modesty and temperance by your spirit which teaches me into all excellence. Your work in me through Christ sanctifies and makes me holy, until that day — to the glory of your name. Amen!
CI.
RELATED RESOURCES
• 1 Samuel 16:7
• Galatians 5:22
• Romans 2:29
