What does character and internal beauty look like– especially for a Christian? In truth, it is the same for men and women, and there is no better mirror of what internal beauty and godliness looks like than the Beatitudes in Matthew 5:1-12. Here Jesus gives his disciples eight characteristics to pursue or that evidence being in a state of blessing and approval by God:[1]

• The poor in spirit—this is, viewing yourself as spiritually bankrupt before God.  As the great hymn says, “Nothing in my hand I bring, simply to thy cross I cling.”
• Those who mourn—this is a reminder that being godly is not being happy all the time. It’s also a reminder that God sees and will one day comfort all whose current situation is intolerable or incomprehensible.
• The meek—meekness is not weakness and to be meek means to not be arrogant and oppressive; that is, meek people don’t throw their weight around.
• Those who hunger and thirst for righteousness—this means that, in God’s eyes, beautiful people are those who are eager to live as God requires.
• The merciful—this is a generous attitude which is willing to see things from the other’s point of view, forgives, and is not quick to take offense.
• The pure in heart—this has to do with truthfulness or integrity, as well as having a heart that actively seeks God. 
• The peacemakers—this refers to those who actively try to make peace by seeking reconciliation with enemies, and also bringing together those who are estranged.
• Those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake—this reminds us that followers of Jesus are not isolated from culture but rather engaged. As such, there are times when their counter-cultural beauty will arouse opposition.

[1] These definitions are informed by New Testament scholar R.T. France’s NICNT commentary on Matthew. D.A. Carson gives France “pride of place” as his first recommendation for the book of Matthew in his New Testament Commentary Survey, Seventh Edition (Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2013).