~ Philippians 4:8 is much quoted, but the verse is timeless as well as inspiring. ~
Whatever Is True
8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
Phil. 4:8 NIV
Paul wrote this verse as part of his letter to the Philippians, and it is a section of a longer quote which is equally as beautiful and meaningful found in Philippians 4: 4-9.
4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God,which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
In a world which often seems filled with chaos, ugliness, violence, fear and anger— all the faces of sin— it is comforting to know that we can choose to think about and focus upon those things which are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent and praiseworthy. We cannot hide from the sin around us, but we can chose to embrace, focus on and follow the good. Don’t live in denial about the ugliness by keeping your head in the sand, but make the choice to focus on the beautiful.
Painting by Kathryn Darden for Christian Activities 5-27, 2023.
