Finding Strength in Times of Uncertainty: A Daily Devotion

MONDAY, 23 OCTOBER 2023

TEXT: 1 Peter 3:1-7

1: Wives, in the same way submit yourselves to your own husbands so that, if any of them do not believe the word, they may be won over without words by the behavior of their wives,

2: when they see the purity and reverence of your lives.

3: Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes.

4: Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.

5: For this is the way the holy women of the past who put their hope in God used to adorn themselves. They submitted themselves to their own husbands,

6: like Sarah, who obeyed Abraham and called him her lord. You are her daughters if you do what is right and do not give way to fear.

7: Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers.

(New International Version Holy Bible)

TOPIC: INNER BEAUTY

Beauty, like gold, is loved and appreciated by everyone. So it is with inner beauty which radiates from within to the outside (cf. Proverbs 30:31).

In today's text, we learn that submission is part of the inner beauty a wife displays to her husband.

It is also a sign of obedience to God's Word and has the power to win over an unbelieving husband through the experience of purity and reverence (vs.1-2).

This is because this beauty comes from within and is not an outward attribute that comes from temporary and material enhancements like braided hair, clothes, powder, lipstick, etc (vs.3). Beauty should also be portrayed through gentleness and a quiet spirit which are worthy in God's sight (vs. 4).

Inner beauty flows in the spirit of cooperation which is motivated by love and respect for God and for the husband as a person. These made the people of the past and Sarah to call Abraham 'Master' (vs. 5-6). This is also expected of the husband (vs.7) which makes him protect, help and respect his wife.

QUESTION: Do you possess this inner beauty which is capable of bringing other people to God?

PRAYER: Lord God, help me to influence my household and community through my inner beauty that is motivated by love, submission, respect and mutual understanding, in Jesus name. Amen.