The Face: A Window to Character and Personality

A person's face serves as a profound indicator of their inner character and emotional state, reflecting the condition of the heart and mind.

Biblical Attitudes Revealed Through Facial Expressions

The outer expression on the face reveals inner emotions. This visible indicator is a reflection of inward feelings—be it anger, sorrow, or joy (Gen 4:6; Neh 2:2; Prov 15:13). Moses' face shone after being in God's presence, and he put a veil over it (Ex 34:29-35). Our faces should reflect how we are changing on the inside more and more into the likeness of Christ (Rom 8:29; 2 Cor 3:18).

What does my face reveal about my attitude to life?

In the Bible, various actions revealed different attitudes: hiding the face in shame and displeasure (Deut 32:20); covering the face with a veil showed reverence (Gen 24:65); setting one's face in determination (Isa 50:7; Lk 9:51); to set the face against was opposition (Ps 34:16); bowing the face in respect (Josh 5:14); face to face indicated intimacy (Deut 34:10).

What Eyes Reveal About Character

The eyes are often called the "windows to the soul" for good reason—they reveal a great deal about a person's character and inner state. Beyond mere physical appearance, our eyes communicate emotions, intentions, and spiritual condition that words alone cannot convey. The Bible frequently references eyes as indicators of the heart's condition (Prov 21:2; Mt 6:22-23).

What do my eyes reveal about my heart?

Bright, clear eyes often reflect a healthy spirit, peace, and joy. Conversely, dull, downcast, or averted eyes may indicate sorrow, shame, guilt, or inner turmoil. The way a person maintains eye contact—or avoids it—can speak volumes about their confidence, honesty, and openness. Eyes that sparkle with kindness and warmth suggest a compassionate heart, while harsh or piercing eyes may reflect judgment, anger, or pride.

Scripture warns against eyes that are "full of adultery" (2 Pet 2:14) or that "haughtily look down" on others (Ps 18:27). Instead, we are encouraged to have "eyes of understanding" that are enlightened to know God's calling and hope (Eph 1:18). The Psalmist prays, "Turn my eyes away from worthless things" (Ps 119:37), recognizing that what we focus our eyes upon shapes our character.

Seeking the Face of God

The 'face' of a person becomes synonymous with their presence. 'Seeking the face of God' is a term sometimes used by people indicating they are seeking specific guidance from the Lord. The advice to "seek His face continually" means to have the mind's attention directed towards Him and the Bible declares, "He will not turn His face from you if you return to Him" (1 Chr 16:11; 2 Chr 7:14, 30:9). David's heart cry was, "Your face I will seek. Do not hide your face from me" expressed his desire for a continuance of God's presence with him at all times (Ps 27:8-9).

The Bible encourages us to "Look to the Lord and His strength; seek His face always" (Ps 105:4). Often we live by our own understanding and appraisal of the facts and do not inquire of the Lord (Josh 9:14). By failing to get His view on a matter, we can be easily deceived. By neglecting to pursue Him, His holy character and wisdom is obscured by our human condition and fleshly desires and understanding. The Lord wants us humbly and trustingly seek His face (presence) especially in our times of prayer and Bible reading, when we are focused exclusively on Him for as we "Come close to God, and He will come close to you" (Jas 4:8). He wants to be our constant companion through life if we walk uprightly and welcome His company.

True worship is seeking God's face and being devoted to pleasing Him. A blessing often expressed is "The Lord make His face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn His face towards you and give you peace" (Num 6:25-26). The cry of the Psalmist was "Make your face shine upon us that we may be saved" (Ps 80:3,7,19). Our responsibility is to wholeheartedly turn to Him, and then He promises to meet with us (2 Chr 16:9; Ps 119:2; Jer 29:13).

Do I intentionally look to the Lord?

On this earth we only have a poor reflection of Christ yet in eternity we will see Him in His completeness "face to face" (1 Cor 13:12). What a glorious day that will be.

Reflection and Application:

Consider what your facial expression reveals about your inner spiritual condition.
Reflect on whether your countenance reflects the peace and joy of Christ.
Examine how often you consciously seek God's presence in your daily life.
Meditate on the promise of seeing Christ face to face in eternity.