Beholding the Beauty of the Lord’s Face: A Reflection on 2 Corinthians 3:12
“But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.”
— 2 Corinthians 3:18 (NKJV)
To all my followers—it's been a couple of weeks since I last blogged. Life has been full with travel and preparation for both ministry and work. But through it all, I just have to say: God is Awesome! I shared a small portion of what occurred, but I wait to share more soon about the incredible things He’s been doing over these past few weeks.
Today, though, I want to talk with you about God’s unveiled face.
There’s something powerful—something deeply moving—about seeing someone’s face clearly. No barriers. No fear. No shame. In 2 Corinthians 3:12–18, the Apostle Paul invites us into exactly that kind of encounter with God. It’s a passage rich with the language of transformation, unveiled access, and radiant glory.
It reminds us: the Christian life isn’t just about knowing truths or fulfilling duties. It’s about beholding beauty—and being changed by it.
From Veils to Vision
Paul draws a powerful contrast between the old covenant and the new. Under the old covenant, God’s glory was veiled—seen only partially, through the law and through Moses. The people could not gaze directly upon God’s splendor; it was too overwhelming, too distant. But through Christ, the veil has been removed. The barrier is no more. In its place, we are given full and free access to the radiant presence of the Lord.
What does this mean for us today? It means we no longer have to hide. There is no need to cover our faces in fear, shame, or unworthiness. Through Jesus, we are invited to look upon the glory of God—not as strangers or servants, but as sons and daughters. Not with trembling, but with wonder.
Beholding Is Becoming
There is a quiet but powerful truth in what Paul shares: what we behold shapes who we become. When we fix our gaze on the Lord, we are gradually transformed into His likeness. This is not merely poetic—this is spiritual reality.
Transformation often begins in stillness, not in striving. It is the slow, steady work of the Spirit in us as we look to Christ. Our thoughts begin to shift, our desires are refined, and our character is molded. From glory to glory, He changes us—not by our own strength, but by His Spirit as we behold Him.
A Personal Glimpse of Glory
Recently, I had the opportunity to minister as an intercessor at a women's event. It was a powerful moment of worship, prayer, and divine encounter. In the days following, as I reflected on what God had done, He brought a familiar song to my heart—one that perfectly captured the experience:
“We shall behold Him, face to face in all of His glory… Our Savior and Lord.”
To behold means to see, to observe, to fix our gaze. During the event, I witnessed a profound moment where this truth came alive. One young woman rededicated her life to Christ. As the minister held her hand, it was as though a divine mirror was placed before her—she saw the Lord, face to face. God’s presence enveloped her, and His glory filled the room. I stood as a witness, beholding the Lord move in a mighty and tender way. That moment was not just ministry—it was transformation, for her and for all who beheld it.
The Mirror of the Soul
Paul speaks of “beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord.” In the ancient world, mirrors were not the flawless glass we know today. They were made of polished metal, offering a dim and imperfect reflection. And yet, even through that imperfect image, we glimpse something divine.
So it is with us. Even though our view is still limited and incomplete, it is real. One day, we will see Him face to face (1 Corinthians 13:12). But even now, in worship, in prayer, in Scripture, and in sacred moments, we catch glimpses of His beauty—and those glimpses change us.
The Beauty of Unveiled Worship
Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom—freedom to lift our faces without fear, and to behold Him in worship. Worship is not performance. It is not an obligation. It is an encounter. It is where we remember who God is, and who we are in Him.
The more we behold His glory, the more our hearts are healed. The more we gaze, the more we glow. Just as Moses’ face radiated after being in God’s presence, so we to reflect His light—not by doing more, but by abiding more.
What Are You Beholding?
Each day, your soul is shaped by what captures your gaze. Is it the chaos of the world—or the beauty of the Lord? May your eyes turn toward Him in the quiet and the noise, in the Word and in worship. And as you behold Him, may the Spirit transform you—bit by bit, glory by glory—until the reflection becomes clear and your life shines with His light.
Let us lift our unveiled faces.
Let us behold the glory of the Lord.
And let us be changed.
About the Author. Chavonne D. Stewart is a watchman, prophetic intercessor, and worshipful warrior; she carries a profound hunger and thirst for the Holy spirit. Guided by the word of Isaiah 6:8 NIV. In addition to her ministry work Dr. Chavonne is an experienced education specialist, consultant and author, known for her transformative work in leadership training and development. She focuses on coaching authentic women leaders. Dr. Stewart's dedication to education and leadership, coupled with her passion for travel and family, embodies her as both a professional and a role model and mentor for women.