Day 42: Beyond Appearance (SoS 1:5b)

"I am dark, but lovely, o daughters of Jerusalem, like the tents of Kedar, like the curtains of Solomon." Song of Songs 1:5

There is a very important reason this statement in verse 5 was directed to the daughters of Jerusalem, not to the King, and not even to herself. Other believers are often observers and spectators of our growth in intimacy with Jesus.

We must remember the statement I am dark but lovely is a product of an encounter not just a beautiful statement. It elevates how Jesus sees us above how we ourselves or the world sees us. Many times, the people around us only see that which is external. So she directs her speech to fellow maidens (believers), the daughters of Jerusalem, who perhaps do not see as the King sees.

In our Christian journey, we probably will make decisions or take actions that will make our imperfections glaring to all. We may be ridiculed, insulted, looked down on, or misunderstood by even those of the household of faith, but we must remember in these moments regardless that we may be dark but we are beautiful to the One who has chosen us to be His Bride and that is all that matters.

This is not to make excuses for or permit wrongdoing, but this is necessary to build healthy self-esteem and have the right image of ourselves while we work on our weaknesses. It also helps us avoid being offended by fellow men and believers. The Bible did say in 1Samuel 16:7:

"...For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”

It's one of the imperfections of men including us to see and focus on that which only appears on the external.

We see an example of this in the woman who anointed Jesus' feet. Simon, the Pharisee who invited Jesus into his home where this took place said to himself as she anointed Jesus in Luke 7:39:

“...If this Man were a prophet He would know who and what sort of woman this is who is touching Him, that she is a [notorious] sinner [an outcast, devoted to sin].” (Amplified Version)

Jesus however did not see her as a sinner, He saw her as a forgiven woman and it was obvious she saw herself the same way. People saw her as unclean, but Jesus received her worship because, to Him, she was spotless. Simon was not just a Jew, he was a religious leader yet he didn't see what Jesus saw. Many others misunderstood her act too, they saw her worship as being wasteful and did not understand its significance.

We must remain undeterred in our love for Jesus and unconvinced about opinions contrary to that of God about us whether of ourselves or of other people. I am not advocating a nonchalant attitude or denial of our flaws. This is not to be unteachable and stubbornly set in our wrong ways, but to embrace God's opinion about us and have our heads high as we put the grace of God to work.

Finally, we must learn to extend the same tenderness our Beloved Jesus extends to us to others. We must never be judgemental or critical of other people. When we become aware of another's sin or flaw, it is not a subject for gossip but an indication to pray, correct in love, and try our best to restore such a person.

PRAY WITH ME:

Lord, I let go of every offense and wholeheartedly forgive anyone who has misunderstood or hurt me in the past. Help me to see myself as you see me and to remember on my worst days that I am lovely to you regardless of my flaws. Amen.

REFLECT AND ACT:

• Search your heart today and consciously let go of all bitterness and offense. Pray for those who may have hurt you with their judgments in the past.
• James 5:16 in the Amplified Classic Edition says:

"Confess to one another therefore your faults (your slips, your false steps, your offenses, your sins) and pray [also] for one another, that you may be healed and restored [to a spiritual tone of mind and heart]"

• If you know anyone struggling in any area of weakness, take time out to pray for them and consider ways you can reach out in love and help them be restored.