The verse Philippians 4:8 instructs believers to focus their thoughts on things that are praiseworthy and admirable. In the King James Version, it reads “whatsoever things are lovely.” The English Standard Version uses the phrase “whatever is lovely.” So what exactly does this mean?
The Context of Philippians 4:8
To properly understand this verse, it’s important to look at the surrounding context. Philippians 4 opens with Paul urging the believers in Philippi to stand firm in the Lord (v. 1). In verse 2, he pleads with two specific women in the church to agree in the Lord.
Beginning in verse 4, Paul provides some rapid-fire exhortations:
“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (vv. 4-7)
Paul then transitions to the key verse – Philippians 4:8. He writes:
“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.”
It’s clear that Paul is giving the Philippians instructions about their thought life and what they should choose to meditate on. He provides a list of virtues that should characterize their thought patterns. In essence, he’s telling them to be intentional about thinking on things that are good, right, and praiseworthy.
The Meaning of “Lovely”
The specific word translated “lovely” in Philippians 4:8 is the Greek word prosphiles. This word conveys the idea of something being pleasing, agreeable, attractive, or beloved. Other translations use words like “admirable,” “excellent,” or “pleasing.”
The basic meaning is that believers should make it a habit to focus their minds on things that are beautiful, gracious, charming, or splendid. These are things that naturally attract us and that we find agreeable. Paul is instructing the Philippians to dwell on the lovely things in life rather than what is unlovely.
Examples of Things That Are Lovely
So what specifically are some examples of things that could be considered lovely and worthy of contemplation? Here are just a few ideas:
– The wonders of God’s creation – sunsets, landscapes, ocean views, flowers, animals, rainbows, etc. Appreciating the beauty and complexity of nature.
– Great works of art, music, and literature that uplift the soul and inspire awe. Studying the world’s masterpieces across history and cultures.
– Acts of human virtue – courage, compassion, forgiveness, sacrifice, generosity, etc. Meditating on noble character and moral excellence.
– Loving relationships – close friendships, marriage, parenting, deep community. Reflecting on the joy of human connection.
– The glory and majesty of God. Reflecting on His divine attributes – holiness, love, grace, sovereignty, etc.
– The person and work of Jesus Christ. Contemplating His sinless life, sacrificial death, resurrection, ascension, and promised return.
– Biblical truths that bring encouragement, comfort, and hope. Promises of God, gospel message, doctrine, etc.
– Future blessings in eternity. Imagining the new heavens and new earth, free from sin and suffering.
– Joyful experiences that evoke delight – holidays, celebrations, memories, anticipation, gratitude, etc.
The common thread is that these are all things that are praiseworthy, attractive, gracious, and contemplation-worthy. They lift our souls and direct our attention to whatever is good and pure. This is the essence of what Paul is prescribing.
Why Does Paul Emphasize Lovely Things?
Paul’s instruction to meditate on what is lovely serves some important spiritual purposes:
1. It renews our minds and transforms our thinking. Focusing on virtue directs our thoughts away from evil.
2. It lifts our perspective from earthly things to heavenly priorities. Contemplating admirable things elevates the soul.
3. It inspires praise, worship, and delight in God. Appreciating beauty directs our hearts Godward.
4. It promotes spiritual fruit like peace, joy, hope, etc. Lovely thoughts cultivate these Christlike traits.
5. It guards our minds and hearts from anxiety, discontentment, anger, etc. Pondering purity counters toxic thoughts.
6. It helps us become more loving, gracious, compassionate people. What occupies our thoughts shapes our character.
7. It equips us to speak words of grace, encouragement, wisdom, and truth. Out of the heart, the mouth speaks.
8. It gives us an eternal, God-centered perspective on life. Focusing on the magnificent puts struggles in context.
9. It fuels righteous desires, attitudes, affections that please the Lord. Holy thoughts lead to holy living.
Paul clearly believed a habitual focus on what is lovely and praiseworthy has profound implications for how we think, live, and relate to God. This discipline can deeply shape our character in positive ways that honor Christ.
How Can We Apply This Exhortation?
Putting Paul’s words into practice requires some purposeful effort. Here are some practical tips for thinking on what is lovely:
– Memorize and meditate often on Philippians 4:8. Let it be a filter for your thought life.
– Make a list of specific lovely things that you can focus your mind on during the day. Refer back to your list frequently.
– When struggling with anxious or negative thoughts, intentionally redirect your mind to something lovely. Don’t dwell on the ugly.
– Eliminate influences that promote unlovely thoughts like media that celebrates impurity, violence, greed, etc.
– Spend time intentionally appreciating what is lovely – observe nature, study Scripture, listen to uplifting music, serve others, etc.
– Express gratitude to God for every lovely thing you encounter throughout the day. Thank Him for his gifts.
– Talk with other believers about lovely things. Share testimonies, discuss future hope, memorize Scripture together.
– Ask God to open your eyes each day to see lovely things around you that you may have overlooked or taken for granted.
The more we exercise this spiritual discipline, the more natural it becomes. Our minds are transformed as we find joy in focusing on whatever is lovely according to God’s standards. It changes everything about how we process life and relate to Him.
What About Things That Are Not Lovely?
A logical follow-up question is: what about unpleasant realities that are clearly not lovely? Suffering, grief, injustice, evil – these are inescapable parts of life in a fallen world. Did Paul intend for believers to ignore these things?
The answer is no. Paul is not promoting willful ignorance or deny the presence of darkness. But he is strongly emphasizing that our minds should have a steady diet of dwelling on moral beauty.
When tragedy strikes, we should cling to the loveliness of God’s promises and the hope we have in Christ. When encountering sin, we focus on the loveliness of God’s righteous commands and holy character.
Hardships should prompt us to cultivate lovely virtues like patience, compassion, and humility. Even in a fallen world, there are always opportunities to shift from the ugly to the lovely.
It’s a matter of balance and wise, discerning focus. The mind set on Christ will not ignore the unlovely but will respond in a way that reflects His lovely virtues. This protects us from debilitating negativity and hopelessness.
The Ultimate Loveliness is Found in Christ
As believers, the ultimate source of all that is lovely is found in Jesus Christ. He perfectly displays the excellence that Paul describes in Philippians 4:8.
Christ embodies moral beauty, sacrificial love, admirable humility, glorious splendor, divine perfection. To know Christ is to be captivated by transcendent loveliness.
As 2 Corinthians 3:18 says, “And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another.”
Gazing on Christ transforms us into His likeness. The lovelier He is to us, the more His loveliness is reproduced in our character. This is the magnificent vision Paul had in mind.
By beholding Christ’s beauty, our thoughts are raised to the highest pursuits. His loveliness has divine power to shape our inner lives and empower us to live for His glory.
Our minds were created to be occupied with the most excellent realities. May Philippians 4:8 remind us to think deeply on the beauty of Christ above all.
