“For women who claim to be devoted to God should make themselves attractive by the good things they do.”
1 Timothy 2:10 (NLT)
Paul isn’t dismissing beauty—he’s redefining it. Outward appearance fades, but a life marked by good deeds leaves an eternal imprint. God’s definition of attractive has nothing to do with the mirror and everything to do with the heart.
Our good deeds are evidence of God’s Spirit at work. When we live surrendered to Him, generosity flows, kindness overflows, and love shows up in the small choices no one else might notice. Jesus said in Matthew 5 that our good deeds shine His light so that people are drawn to Him, not to us.
Paul doesn’t stop with women—he also speaks to men. In verse 8 he calls them to pray with lifted hands, free from anger and division. We don’t start by trying to fix the outside. We focus on the inside, and the outside changes. We are not saved by appearances—God is always after the heart because what fills us eventually spills out.
And Paul broadens the call even more: pray for all people, including those in authority. Why? Because God wants everyone to be saved. A peaceful environment makes room for the gospel to be heard. Our prayers for peace and our good deeds together put Jesus on display for the world to see.