If There Be Any VIRTUE
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; if there be any virtue.”
VIRTUE in Greek can be translated in many ways: “doing something right, a gracious move, courage, moral excellence, and goodness.” Virtue is “choosing to do what is right,” no matter what. It is “integrity.”
The modern dictionary defines “virtue” as: “moral goodness, righteousness, morality, integrity, dignity, rectitude, honor, decency, nobility, excellence, or purity.” This summarizes what the Apostle says in our text on what we must store in our mind (true, honest, just, pure, lovely, and good report).
Apostle Paul reminds us never to forget the qualities he mentions, especially in times of difficulty. We are in dangerous times. The godly virtue is being sacrificed to gain wealth and influence. The world today has no moral ascendency. Virtue is fast becoming obsolete among the unbelievers.
Paul talks about godly virtue that is absent in people who do not know the Lord. The virtue that the world wants and supports is self-righteousness. It aims to promote self and magnify the goodness of humanity. This will not end in peace and unity.
It is time for genuine Christians to stand firm by uplifting the true and godly virtues that magnify the Lord. They do not only bring peace. They result in forgiveness and reconciliation.
As I was writing this devotional, I was watching what is currently going on between Israel and Hamas. People are reacting with rage and full of vengeance.
When our mind is void of godly virtue, rationality goes. Emotions, such as fear and anger, take control. Erratic thinking replaces truth. Regrets reign, and sad consequences will result. Only because we do not think about “these godly virtues.”
Consider how Apostle Peter uses the word “virtue” in 2 Peter 1:3-7 “According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and VIRTUE: [4] Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. [5] And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith VIRTUE; and to VIRTUE knowledge; [6] And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; [7] And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.”
Christian life is not only about what we know and believe. It is about saturating our minds with godly virtue and causing our hearts to be moved with compassion and faith, showing them through life and service.
Virtue is doing what is right despite difficult situations and pressures. It can manifest in different life situations. It is usually tested when there is an opportunity for temptation. Such as:
⁃While alone, there is a temptation to commit evil and an opportunity to fight it.
⁃Doing random acts of kindness for others when we don’t have to.
⁃Staying true to godly conviction in the company of the unbelievers.
Conclusion:
God has chosen us as His witnesses to manifest the goodness of God and share the gospel of Jesus Christ. What a blessed privilege to be chosen to show the Lord’s likeness and do His works.
These godly virtues are God’s gift to His faithful children for the Holy Spirit to freely use us for His glory and praise. Amen!