Beauty is a pleasure value. It excites out hearts; we dream of its affect upon on our souls.
The beauty of simple architectural lines can motivate us to explore its space. The beauty of music penetrates our being and can move us through the range of human emotions.
The beauty of sexuality--its physical curves, its sensuous embrace, its soulful reach and longing--foretells of a deeper beauty.
We contrast beauty with ugliness, if only to accentuate the power of beauty . . . and the power of ugliness. Without this continuum, our imaginations and perceptions would be reduced.
Beauty and ugliness mean our souls are elevated far above mechanisms of the material world.
Beauty and ugliness imply God understands the logic of preciousness and repulsion.
Consider:
"How beautiful you are my darling! Oh, how beautiful! Your eyes are doves." Song of Solomon 1:15 (Also read Psalm 27:4; Psalm 29:1,2; Isaiah 61:1-3; 1 Peter 3:3)
Ponder and Discuss:
What is the most precious beauty you have experienced? What is the most repulsive ugliness you have experienced? Without beauty, what would your soul long for? What do you find beautiful about God?