Our Thoughts – Philippians 4:8
Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.
Insults abound, and if our ears are sharp and our spirits are so inclined, we need not look far to find them, along with their cohorts, Disrespect and Unkindness. If we have not resolved to uphold others with a love that cannot be provoked and takes no account of another’s missteps,[1] we can find plenty to offend us. We can fuel our anger endlessly if we choose to disregard the Word’s instruction to treat others with sacrificial kindness as we walk in the Spirit.[2] By analyzing what people say and assuming the malicious intents of their hearts, we can readily justify our bitterness toward them. Ignoring our Lord’s command against judging others,[3] we can dissect another’s words with expert precision to uncover abuse upon abuse. Real or imagined, blatant or subtle, we can find a multitude of comments to make us angry.
However, why would we? Though the Lord has given us full reign over our thoughts, leaving us free to wallow in the pain caused by wounds inflicted upon us by others, free to feel as abused and mistreated as we want, what does it profit us? It only makes us miserable, destroys our families and friendships, shatters our peace, steals our joy, causes us to sin, and ruins our health.
Imagine freedom from the anguish we endure over the mistreatment of our friends and foes. Such freedom, which would bring lightness to our spirits, is within our grasp if we will forgive the unlovely and unkind statements of others, if we will combine mercy and softness to respond in truth to their jabs, caring more about the jabber’s needs than our own desire to be understood and respected.
As you treasure God’s Word,
allowing it to shape your character,[4] obey His instruction[5] to dwell on those things that are true, honorable, right,
pure, lovely, reputable, excellent, and praiseworthy. Heed this beautiful teaching about where your
thoughts should tarry, and as you do, you will rise above pettiness of spirit to
an immeasurably more desirable place.
You will soar to the heights of joy reserved for those who, having set
their minds on that which is life-giving, are free to love others without
reserve and to enjoy unencumbered relationships with the Lord and their fellow
sojourners.[6]
[1] 1 Corinthians 13:4-7
[2] Galatians 5:16
[3] Matthew 7:1
[4] Proverbs 2:1
[5] Proverbs 8:10-12
[6] 1 Peter 4:8
