Philippians 4:4-9
Verse 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.
God created a beautiful place for us to live. His creation has something for everyone, sunny beaches, snowy mountains, fruitful plains and even desert dunes. No matter what a person finds as beautiful, God has it in His creation. But what if there is more to loveliness? Could our obsession with the latest weather pattern be just as futile as our being enamored with the latest fashion craze? Both of those lead us to focus and think about things with no lasting power.
While we all enjoy a beautiful sunrise or sunset or maybe a beautiful snowfall, Paul had more in mind when he added the word “lovely” to the list. The Greek word translated “lovely” in this verse was used only here in the whole of the New Testament. And while it does mean lovely, the root word draws us to a much deeper understanding of the word. To merely think of it as something pretty to look at, would cheapen what he wants us to think on.
The word Paul used is more of a compound word with the first part of the word “pros” – extending towards, followed by “phileo” – affectionate caring. The word “phileo” is the Greek word for friendship love, an affection that goes beyond mere friendliness and hits the heart of a true blue friendship. It speaks of the kind of friendship known as a BFF, where the deepest of secrets are shared because the deepest of trust is known. It is something which is dearly prized.
This word lovely is about things which bring deeply caring and pure thoughts. These thoughts may be happy memories of friends and family or pets. They may be recollections of trips to our favorite places and the memories made there. They are thoughts which will bring us joy, setting the warm fuzzies into full blown awareness. These are the thoughts which draw us from the gloom of everyday life and put us in a place of peace because we know all these gifts are from Him.
Only the Creator of the universe could design such a beautiful thing as close friendships and a love which makes life pleasant. When we focus on the gift of these lovely things in life we won’t be able to refrain from thinking of Him too.
Making It Personal
What are the lovely things you think on? Are there not so lovely things which you think about? Have you thanked God for the lovely things/people in your life?
Making It Personal Kids
What are some lovely things in your life? Do you think about them often? Which ones should you thank Jesus for?
Closing Prayer
Father, thank You for Your gifts of things which are lovely. Help us learn to appreciate them and think of them often. In Jesus’ name, amen.
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