Imagine a beautiful flower, how beautiful they are when in full bloom, they display a vibrant array of colors. But what if we only focused on the petals and ignored the roots? Or, what if we plucked the flower from its stem? Without healthy roots, a beautiful flower wouldn’t last long. Similarly, in our lives, outward beauty can fade, but the inner qualities we nurture, like the roots of a flower, are what truly sustain us.

Reflecting on this, consider the scripture at 1 Peter 3:4, which says, "Let it be the secret person of the heart in the incorruptible adornment of the quiet and mild spirit, which is of great value in the eyes of God." This verse encourages us to get to know the real person, not just the external one. The gentle and quiet spirit is the part of us that is precious in Jehovah’s eyes and never fades away because its inner virtues last forever. Jehovah places high value on our inner qualities—qualities that some may never see or experience, but Jehovah does. He holds them dear, and they are worth protecting.

The True Beauty:
Even in Peter’s Day, there was an emphasis on external appearances, things like material possessions and fancy clothes. The world often emphasizes outward appearance; whether it’s the latest fashion, skincare products, or fitness trends. But Peter’s words remind us of a different kind of beauty, one that goes much deeper than what’s on the surface. He says, “Let the beauty be the inner one.”

This inner beauty is described as “the hidden person of the heart.” But what does that mean? It’s about the qualities that define who we are when no one is watching—the gentleness, kindness, and quiet strength that we develop within ourselves. Unlike physical beauty, which can fade with time, these inner virtues never lose their value. In fact, they grow stronger the more we nurture them.

In a Marriage:
Married individuals understand the importance of nurturing their relationship. Their spouse is special, someone with whom they share their life. But even in the closest of relationships, it can be easy to take each other for granted or to focus more on outward appearances.

By turning our attention to Peter’s words, married couples can keep searching within their mate for that gentle and quiet spirit. In doing so, their love deepens. Appreciating the inner beauty in their spouse fosters a connection that goes far beyond the superficial. It’s like tending to the roots of a flower; by nurturing the inner qualities of their relationship, they encourage it to grow stronger.

In Getting to Know Someone:
In the process of getting to know someone, especially in the early stages of a relationship, Peter’s words are truly significant. Often, when people meet someone new, they want to put their best foot forward. They might focus on impressing with their looks or charm. But remember, what we see on the surface is not always a true reflection of who a person is.

That’s why this scripture encourages us to look past outward appearance and seek the inner qualities; the true essence of a person. Everyone has a “representative” they present to the world, but what’s most important is who they are deep down. By focusing on the inner virtues that last, we build relationships grounded in what really matters.

In Still Waiting:
For those still waiting, Jehovah already sees the lasting inner virtues within us. He cherishes those qualities as the most precious part of who we are. While it’s natural to desire companionship, it’s important to remember that our worth is not defined by our relationship status.

Peter’s words remind us that the beauty Jehovah values is within us, and He will never let go of us, no matter what. So, while waiting, we can continue to nurture our gentle and quiet spirit, knowing that it is of great value in His eyes.

In The World:
In a world that often places so much emphasis on outward appearance, Peter’s words offer a refreshing perspective. The beauty that truly matters is the one within; the inner qualities that reflect a gentle and quiet spirit. Whether in marriage, while getting to know someone, or even while waiting, these inner virtues are of great value in the eyes of our loving God. Like the roots of that beautiful rose, these qualities sustain us, helping us flourish in ways that outward beauty never could.

Thank you for reading,
-Soli Jehova Gloria (1 Corinthians 10:31)