Understanding Modesty

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In today's society, "modesty" is not a term that commonly reaches our ears. Many people may not realize that modesty doesn't just include what you wear; it also includes how a person acts. It is a quality that both men and women can live out.


In dressing modestly, women can often show more about their character than by dressing in a way that reveals more skin. People who decide to dress modestly do not think that the body is bad. Instead, they are choosing to reveal their dignity to others. Modesty allows a woman to show her personality to others. The practice of dressing modestly can also show respect for men. " Men are visually stimulated far more than are women." When dressing immodestly, sometimes men can look upon a woman with lust. During creation, before the eating of the  fruit, "when Adam first saw Eve,  her body revealed to him that they were meant to become one. Their bodies revealed their call to love and to give themselves to each other." Because of the Fall, when Adam and Eve ate of the forbidden fruit, our desires and motives became muddled and tainted by sin.

Modesty can inspire men to look upon a woman with a sense of mystery. They are not only concerned with your external person. "Through modesty, a man can learn to appreciate a woman as a gift to be received, not some goal to be conquered." Not all men seek to use women, and I am very lucky to know men who respect women and their dignity. Through modesty, a woman can help to lead a man in holiness. 

The virtue of modesty can be lived out not only by what a person wears, but also by how a person acts. It is showcased "in your conversations with other people, your mannerisms, and your posture." It is also one of the Twelve Fruits of the Holy Spirit. Living out modesty in your speech can open doors in friendship because it shows that you respect one's whole person. I know, for a lot of people, living out modesty in speech and deed can be difficult. One helpful guide is this: Our words should never seek to tear down other people; our words should seek to build other people up.

References:
How to Find Your Soulmate Without Losing Your Soul by Jason and Crystalina Evert