Whatsoever Things are of Good Report
Philippians 4:8 - “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely,
whatsoever things are of good report;
This virtue is what we need today as we face a deluge of bad news and fake news. We hear of crimes, wars, calamities, and nonsensical and foolish tabloid materials. We must heed Apostle Paul’s advice to bring hope and encouragement to those searching for peace.
As people of God, we are supposed to be carriers of good news, which we call the Gospel. Sadly, instead of sharing and manifesting them in our lives, we often fail. Perhaps it is because what occupies our minds is not “of good report.” We cannot provide a sense of hope if what we regularly listen to and read is bad news.
Evil things happen every day, and for that reason, we cannot avoid bad and fake news. However, we can use our better judgment and the help of the Holy Spirit to give us the spiritual discernment and the wisdom to make a difference in this world. With the wisdom coming from God, we can make sure that we balance all the bad news with a daily dose of things that are “of good report.”
Based on Strong’s definition, a “good report” is “reputable good news that is shared with good intent.” Listening to good reports gives us plenty of spiritual and powerful benefits.
Proverbs 16:23-24 - “The heart of the wise teacheth his mouth, and addeth learning to his lips. [24] Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.”
It is essential to hear excellent and positive reports. But we can never ignore the need to know the bad or negative news for our edification and wisdom. To tell someone that there is a piece of meat stuck in his teeth in public can be bad and embarrassing. But the reality and the intent behind it makes it a “good report.”
Our senses are the doors to our soul, the seat of mind, emotion, and volition. While we cannot control the incoming reality of bad reports, we can choose and process what we want to see and hear. God has equipped us to discern and discriminate whatever we allow getting into our thoughts.
Receive a good report by:
1.Not listening to lies and gossip. Avoid using the mind as a garbage disposal.
2.Validating the credibility of the report.
3.Listening only to credible and honest source
4.Accepting the honesty and the motivation behind the negative report and learning from it.
Share and speak the “good report” by:
1.Avoiding flattery, using it for self-gain.
2.Sharing only first-hand information with truthfulness. It is gossip to share second-hand information
3.Giving the news only to edify, comfort, and bless others. Not to demean and discourage.
4.Communicating what you mean with tactfulness and gentleness
Finally, do or practice a “good report” by:
1.Communicating the truth with love by means of behavior seasoned with grace.
2.Modeling a good report to reinforce its message
3.Sharing everything with God’s perspective to avoid personal bias.
Conclusion:
“Whatsoever things are of good report” must always fill our hearts and minds to bless others, but most importantly, to give glory to God. Let us make our lives powerful, enriching, and edifying the lives of others.