Is there a gift of beauty or attractiveness?
Question:
Is there a gift of beauty or attractiveness? Are Christians allowed to utilize this gift? Should it be used in the same manner in males and females? What are some possible examples it is used to honor God?
Answer:
Are there some people born more handsome or beautiful than others? Yes.
- "It came about when Abram came into Egypt, the Egyptians saw that the woman was very beautiful" (Genesis 12:14).
- "Rachel was beautiful of form and appearance" (Genesis 29:17).
- "Now Joseph was handsome in form and appearance" (Genesis 39:6).
- "Now he was ruddy, with bright eyes, and good-looking" (I Samuel 16:12).
Beauty and handsomeness are just physical traits, such as being tall, short, large, slim, dark, or pale. Does it make any difference? Not really because "Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, but a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised" (Proverbs 31:30). The focus should not be on physical appearance because that is part of this world and it will not last. "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). Character lasts, physical traits do not. "Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day" (II Corinthians 4:16).
