Lesson 85

How Can I Develop Inner Beauty And Outward Respect?

“I think it’s probably easier for those of us who are introverts to appear to have a gentle and quiet spirit, but just because we’re not loud about it, doesn’t mean that we always have a godly attitude,” observed Danielle. “I think we develop the spirit that God desires for us by spending time with Him, in His Word, and in prayer. It really is the key to being a woman after God’s own heart.”

Danielle further reflected, “It was very difficult for me to feel any respect for my husband when I learned the extent of his sexual sin. At first, I had to constantly remind myself to act respectfully toward him even if I didn’t feel respect for him. The best way I could do that was to speak to him calmly and respectfully even when I felt like ranting and raving at him. Proverbs 15:1 says, ‘A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.’”

It was important for Danielle to put things into perspective. “I also found it helpful to remind myself that, though he had failed miserably in one very important area of life, he had many good qualities. He was a great father, a good provider, an excellent teacher, and on and on. It sometimes burned me that he was held in such high regard in our church and our community by all those who didn’t know his hidden secret sin, but when I thought about all the reasons that they respected him, it helped me focus on his good qualities and eventually enabled me to show appreciation for those aspects of his character.”