Think on these things – Devotional – LOVELY

Whatsoever things are Lovely

The word translated Lovely in this verse is the Greek word PROSPHILES. Strong’s G4375 and is pronounced PROS fee lace. It is used only once in the Bible. The Strong’s Concordance lists the biblical usage as acceptable, pleasing.

The contemporary meaning of lovely generally revolves around attractiveness. However, the informal definition and synonyms convey the sense of being acceptable or pleasing.

informal definition: very pleasant or enjoyable; delightful.
synonyms: delightful · very pleasant · very nice · very agreeable · marvelous · wonderful · sublime · superb · fine · magical · enchanting · captivating · terrific · fabulous · fab · heavenly · divine · amazing · glorious

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, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

Philippians 4:8 (KJV)

When persecution comes, be lovely

When we think about first century believers and the persecution they were under, thinking about acceptable things and pleasing things may have felt like a daydream.

However, they were being taught by the Apostles (as we are by their writings) that their reward is in heaven. They were also reminded by the Apostle Paul that beauty is even in the feet of those who bring the good news.

You may feel that you are not doing much, but when you bring the good news to those who do not know, or water to the thirsty, and friendship to the lonely, you are lovely.

Related Scripture

Romans 10:14-15 (NIV) How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”

Isaiah 52:7 (NIV) How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, “Your God reigns!”

1 Peter 2:20 (KJV) For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God.

Rom 12:1-2 (KJV) I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, help me to be lovely, acceptable and pleasing in Your eyes. When persecution and challenges come, help me to react in a pleasing way so that my behavior is acceptable to You.

Amen

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Up next – Whatsoever things are of a Good Report