1 Peter 3: Remarkable Unfading Beauty of a Gentle and Quiet Spirit

1 Peter 3: Remarkable Unfading Beauty of a Gentle and Quiet Spirit

If I could have any wish in the entire world, it would be to have what 1 Peter 3 calls the unfading beauty. I am not talking about my physical appearance, but I long to have the unfading beauty of what the Bible in 1 Peter 3 calls, “a gentle and quiet spirit.”

1 Peter 3: 4 NIV says, “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.”

What is the unfading beauty meaning according to 1 Peter 3?

To understand the meaning of unfading beauty, we must understand that Peter is talking about wives and husbands in 1 Peter 3. He is urging women believers to win their husbands over to Jesus Christ through actions and gentle beauty.

I am blessed because my husband is already a believer in Jesus Christ. However, I want my gentle beauty to show him respect not only in our home but also in the community. I want God’s love to flow through me so that the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit spills out of my soul and spirit.

It would be nice to say that I have a gentle and quiet spirit all the time, but I fail miserably at times in this area of my life. I have a couple of past broken relationships to prove the point that I do not always have unfading beauty. What I can say is that there are a couple of lessons that I have learned as I seek Jesus for the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit.

The ultimate example of the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit is Jesus’ reaction on the cross.

The True Unfading Beauty Meaning: Jesus’ Reaction on the Cross

Jesus did not react negatively, even when he was reviled and abused as he met the cross.

1 Peter 2: 23 NIV says, “When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead he entrusted himself to him who judges justly.”

I admit that I like justice, and I cannot stand to see someone treated unjustly or unfairly.

Our God is a Just God, and He does not like to see people treated unfairly either. However, Jesus sets the example to be gracious when someone wrongs us and to know when to set the record straight. Graciousness is a sign of the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit.

I am NOT talking about abusive relationships or domestic violence. Please remember to keep yourself in safe relationships where you are not being abused or violated.

I am talking about everyday relationships outside of your home, like workplace situations, friendships, church fellowship, or a visit to the local grocery store. Each interaction we have inside and outside of our home is an opportunity for our gentle beauty to shine. We have opportunities to show unfading beauty through compassion and graciousness even when we are wronged.

How do you get a Gentle and Quiet Spirit?

• Be Still and Listen

John 10: 27 NIV says, “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.”

God still speaks through his Word, through prayer, and through his Spirit. We only need to be still so that we can listen and follow his leadings. Then we will know when to act with unfading beauty through graciousness and compassion and when to be firm and assertive. Listening gives us benefits that only come from being in Christ, the solid Rock.

Learning to Listen to God speak to you is not something that happens overnight. I have always wanted to learn how to play the piano, but I do not want to waste my time with chords and lullabies. Instead, I want to play Bach and Mozart. The problem is that if I want to learn to play Bach and Mozart on the piano, then I need to learn chords and lullabies first.

Learning to listen to God is a similar process, but it is so worth the time to hear God’s voice and to develop the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit. Listening takes time, so start with sitting in stillness and asking Jesus to meet you where you are.

Trust me, you will only learn how to have the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit when you learn how God wants you to show compassion and graciousness. You can only show compassion and graciousness when you sit in God’s presence in stillness and begin to listen to Him.

• Showing Compassion and Graciousness

Ephesians 4:32 NIV says, “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”

You demonstrate unfading beauty when you show compassion and graciousness to others.  According to Ephesians 4:32, kindness and compassion come through forgiveness, specifically forgiving each other as God forgave us through Christ.

Showing compassion and graciousness through forgiveness occurs when we begin to accept others’ imperfections and acknowledge their identity in Christ.  In other words, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit loves others just as Christ loves them.

• Humility

Ephesians 4:2 NIV says, “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.”

Jesus bore our sin and shame on the cross in an act of humility.  In the same humility, we are to be gentle and humble towards others in patience and love.

I encourage you to start listening to God’s voice today so that He can transform your inner self into what 1 Peter 3 calls the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit.  Seek Jesus for the unfading beauty which demonstrates love towards others through compassion, graciousness, and humility.

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