Whatsoever Things are LOVELY
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,”
The fifth virtue the Apostle Paul advised the Philippian Church to overcome anxiety and enjoy the peace of God is to fill their minds with loveliness or lovely things.
The Greek word for lovely is “prosphiles.” It means “acceptable, friendly towards others.” This word, in today’s usage, will not include the outward appearance of man. It is not about being pretty or glamorous but to be attractive in our spirit and attitude. It refers to the inward attractiveness seen by others.
Paul’s approach to having peace starts with the incredible power of the mind and its influence on our feelings and behavior. Allowing our mind to be a reservoir of godly and truthful virtues will guide our thoughts to the right thinking, focusing on things that are godly, gracious, and Christ-like. This godly thinking will affect our attitude and spill over into the right actions and godly behavior.
Proverbs 4:20-23 - “My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings. [21] Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them amid thine heart. [22] For they are life unto those that find them and health to all their flesh. [23] Keep thy heart with all diligence, for out of it are the issues of life.”
The phrase “whatsoever things are lovely” dwells on things that will make us consider and love one another. The Word of God is filled with many passages to help us meditate on these virtues, particularly “lovely.”
I remember the phrase I heard as a young boy encouraging us to love the Bible and have it as our daily companion: “God’s Word will keep you away from troubles. Sin will keep you away from God’s Word.”
Psalm 119:11-16 - “Thy word have I hid in mine heart, That I might not sin against thee. Blessed art thou, O LORD: Teach me thy statutes. With my lips have I declared All the judgments of thy mouth.”
According to one commentator, “lovely” in the original language “is a rare word referring to things that attract, please, and win other people’s admiration and affection. Such thoughts bring people together in peace rather than separating them in fighting and feuding” (Anders, M., Galatians—Colossians, Vol. 8).
Another author says, “The basic meaning of the word is ‘that which calls forth love, love-inspiring,’ and here it has the passive sense of ‘lovely, pleasing, agreeable, amiable’” (O’Brien, P. T., The Epistle to the Philippians).
Lovely things will bring us together for peace and harmony. The attraction is through the power of God’s love that is unconditional, not jealous and proud. It thinks of others first before oneself. Love endures and rejoices in others' victory. Consider seriously the love being described in 1 Corinthians 13.
Conclusion:
Lovely things soften the heart. It brings someone to repentance, and it “hides multitudes of sin.” Man is too quick to condemn, but being lovely is to help us understand, forgive, and reconcile.
Unforgiving, trivial, spiteful, or suspicious about others will only hinder or stop the process of being “transformed by the renewing of our minds.” Romans 12:2. But as long as we saturate our minds with pure and lovely thoughts, we bring ourselves to respond and minister to edify others. Then we fulfill our Heavenly Father’s desire to be like His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ!