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◄ Being Ugly►

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Topical Encyclopedia

In the context of the Bible, the concept of "being ugly" is not primarily concerned with physical appearance but rather with the condition of the heart and one's spiritual state. The Scriptures emphasize inner beauty and the transformation of the heart over outward appearance.

Biblical Perspective on Physical Appearance

The Bible acknowledges physical appearance but places greater importance on inner qualities. In1 Samuel 16:7, the LORD instructs Samuel, "Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not see as man does. For man sees the outward appearance, but the LORD sees the heart." This verse highlights that God's focus is on the heart rather than external attributes.

Inner Beauty and Character

The New Testament further emphasizes the value of inner beauty. In1 Peter 3:3-4, women are encouraged, "Your beauty should not come from outward adornment such as braided hair or gold jewelry or fine clothes, but from the inner disposition of your heart, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in God’s sight." This passage underscores the importance of cultivating a spirit that reflects God's character.

Spiritual Ugliness

The Bible also addresses the concept of spiritual ugliness, which is associated with sin and moral corruption. InIsaiah 1:4-6, the prophet describes the sinful state of Israel as a form of spiritual ugliness: "Ah, sinful nation, a people laden with iniquity, a brood of evildoers, children of corruption! They have forsaken the LORD; they have despised the Holy One of Israel and turned their backs on Him." This passage illustrates how sin distorts the spiritual beauty intended by God.

Transformation Through Christ

The transformative power of Christ is central to overcoming spiritual ugliness. In2 Corinthians 5:17, Paul writes, "Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come!" Through faith in Christ, believers are renewed and made beautiful in the sight of God, reflecting His glory and righteousness.

The Example of Jesus

Jesus Himself, though not described in terms of physical beauty, embodies the ultimate example of spiritual beauty and perfection.Isaiah 53:2-3 prophesies about the Messiah, "He had no stately form or majesty to attract us, no beauty that we should desire Him. He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, acquainted with grief." Despite His lack of physical allure, Jesus' life and sacrifice reveal the profound beauty of His love and obedience to the Father.

Conclusion

The Bible teaches that true beauty is found in a heart aligned with God's will and character. While physical appearance is acknowledged, it is the inner transformation through Christ that defines true beauty in the eyes of God.

Topical Bible Verses

1 Samuel 16:7
But the LORD said to Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD sees not as man sees; for man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart.
Topicalbible.org

1 Peter 3:3-5
Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel;
Topicalbible.org

Library

TheUgly Thread in the Weaving.
...Ugly things stand out by reason of their very ugliness... The questions asked raise
the possibility clearlybeing discussed of Johnbeing the promised prophet, or...

That it is Especially with the Platonists that we must Carry on...
... from a living principle, but that, nevertheless, all things,being material, spring...
which judges whether the representation is beautiful orugly is without...

Concerning Good, Light, Beauty, Love, Ecstasy, Jealousy, and that...
... one time beautiful, and at another not; nor in relation to one thing beautiful,
and in relation to anotherugly, nor here, and not there, asbeing beautiful to...

Yet Love Can Forbear
... eternally. He cannot indeed be reconciled to anugly object as it isugly,
but as it is capable ofbeing otherwise He may. He can...

Third Tractate. On the Kinds ofBeing (3).
... the measure of Motion should be assigned to Relation, while Space,being that which...
attached to something which in a given relation may appearugly: the beauty...

The Sixth Ennead Cfirst Tractate. On the Kinds ofBeing (1).
... If they are classed as qualities in virtue ofbeing powers, power, we have seen... a
quality; if, however, it is what makes an object beautiful orugly after the...

Seventh Tractate. How the Multiplicity of the Ideal-Forms came...
... order, disorder; symmetry, irregularity; health, illness; form, shapelessness;
real-being, decay: in... Why is the livingugly more attractive than the sculptured...

section ii.
... I cannot tell by what Logick we call a Toad, a Bear, or an Elephantugly; theybeing
created in those outward shapes and figures which best express the actions...

[Greek: En Toyto Nika]
... Paul did not say theseugly words for himself.... apostle of God, then they expected
him to argue with them on cunning points of philosophy; about thebeing of God...

Implanted Dispositions.
... Abeing without qualities is unthinkable.... for he thinks, judges, and decides; in
matters of taste, for he judges things to be beautiful,ugly, or indifferent...