The Spirit of Loveliness4 min read
When I was only 22 and newly married, I came across a book in a bookstore that drew me in just by the title–The Spirit of Loveliness, a precious book about having a welcoming home, a joyful spirit, being feminine, showing hospitality, just having an overall lovely life. The author was Emilie Barnes and she became my life’s mentor.
I’m not really sure what went through my mind at the moment or why I bought the book. It was probably a combination of 2 things:
- I loved the idea of having whatever the spirit of loveliness was.
- Newly married, I hadn’t a clue what I was doing! Okay, maybe a little clue (Thank you, Mama.).
I wanted desperately to be lovely, to have a lovely life. I had already given up on being quiet–I thought the gentle, quiet spirit that the Bible refers to was literally being a quiet person. Well, that was never going to happen! I was loud and funny and opinionated, so I thought I’d shoot for lovely instead of quiet.
At the time, I focused on having the welcoming home, but I realize that this spirit of loveliness is so much more, and this “more” must permeate your self so it can affect your family and others.
Welcome is what reflects God’s spirit of love, joy and happiness.
Emilie Barnes
What is the spirit of loveliness?
What is this spirit of loveliness? According to Emilie Barnes, it’s the spirit of warmth and caring. I would describe it as taking all the lovely things about you and all of your God-given gifts, nurturing them in your life and home, and then sharing them with others.
I love the definition of lovely. It’s defined as “exquisitely beautiful”. Lovely, it seems, goes beyond beautiful. “Exquisitely” sets it apart as being marked by flawless craftmanship. I love that–flawless craftmanship. Wouldn’t you love to be defined by loveliness??
It’s all about relationship.
This spirit of loveliness comes from our time spent in sweet communion with God our Father. It’s about a constant relationship with Him while we’re taking a walk, while cooking or being creative, while gardening or reading a book, while being still or singing at the top of our lungs. It’s the awareness that He’s in all of it, and He’s not just present when we’re on our knees.
This beautiful time spent with Him fills us with love, joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control, the fruit of being in His Spirit. We become beautifully crafted.
If anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work.
2 Timothy 2:21 ESv
The relationship doesn’t end with soaking in His goodness. All of this goodness should be just bursting to splash out all over those around you! The relationships with family, friends, and even strangers should be affected by your spirit of loveliness.
Practical areas in which we cultivate loveliness.
Yes, there is a deep spiritual aspect to the spirit of loveliness, but the practical applications are varied and absolutely necessary. It’s by our works, remember, that our faith is lived out loud.
Most of our lovely life, the warmth, and the care is shared right in our own home, which is why most of our cultivating is done in our home. Here are areas that can be infused with the spirit of loveliness:
- Garden
- Kitchen
- Friendship
- Giving
- Godliness
- Celebration
- Welcome
- Serving
- Femininity
- Stillness
- Hospitality
A favorite scripture…
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
philippians 4:8 Esv
Let the spirit of loveliness begin in your heart and be lived out in your home.
We’d love for you to join us for Cozy Conversations on Creating a Lovely Life!
