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Friday, July 24, 2009

Chapter 8: Anchored in God's Word...

Basic principles from Scripture about how God views our bodies...

1. God knows humans are tempted to overemphasize how a persons looks in evaluating his or her character
"We need to be more concerned about how beautiful our hearts are than our looks"

2. God does not place the emphasis on outward appearance that humans do

"He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him. " Isaiah 53:2
God purposefully created Jesus without "beautiful" characteristics

3. God knows that women are particularly interested in making themselves look nice
"Your beauty should not come from outward adornment... instead, 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." 1 Peter 3:3-4
God doesn't condemn outward beauty, but He wants so much for us than that.

4. What we think we look like on the outside depends on how we feel about ourselves in general
You can change your thoughts to think of yourself as beautiful, even if your outward appearance hasn't changed

5. It's fine to wear nice clothes and be well groomed as long as you keep this in balance with other qualities
"The important thing isn't the label, it's the balance you find in your life"

6. You can be outwardly beautiful and still be unattractive to others
"Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised." Proverbs 31:30
Beauty is not purely defined by physical characteristics, but by your actions

7. God decided that our bodies are the best temple for Him to dwell in
"God created me and he wants to dwell in me"

8. God made our bodies and that alone makes them wonderful
"I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well." Psalm 139:14
9. God wants to make all things new in your life
"If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come." 2 Corinthians 5:17
There will be an adjustment period when your body image begins to change


The Testing Period...
Every day will bring challenges to see yourself with a healthy body image. God brings this testing so that we can grow in confidence and trust in Him. Standing firm in prayer will prepare you to stand against the temptations that will surely come. Prayer is the key to your victory over body hate.


Having a healthy body image is more about changing the way you think than changing your body.


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