Think on these things – Devotional – VIRTUE

If there be any VIRTUE

The Greek word translated as virtue is ARETE. It is pronounced are RET ay. Strong’s G703 lists the bibilcal usage as a virtuous course of thought, feelings and action – virtue, moral goodness; any particular moral excellence, as modesty, purity.

The contemporary definition and synonyms are:

definition: behavior showing high moral standards.
synonyms: goodness · virtuousness · righteousness · morality · ethicalness · uprightness · upstandingness · integrity · dignity · honesty · honorableness · honorability · honor · incorruptibility · propriety · decency · respectability · nobleness · worthiness · good · trustworthiness · meritoriousness · irreproachableness · blamelessness · purity · pureness · lack of corruption · merit · principles · high principles · ethics

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)

Are You Virtuous by Nature

Have you ever heard someone referred to as a “fine, upstanding” person? That phrase was describing a virtuous person. In the scripture passage below, the Berean Study Bible titles this section Partakers of the Divine Nature. Yeshua (Jesus) was morally excellent, he was truly a fine, upstanding young man.

One of the definitions of nature is: the basic or inherent features of something, especially when seen as characteristic of it. What are our basic features that we exhibit on a regular basis? Is virtue one of them?

To emulate our Messiah, we too need to be morally excellent, displaying virtue along with the other attributes of the Divine Nature. We should walk in faith, virtue, knowledge, self-control (temperance), perseverance or patience, godliness, brotherly kindness and love (charity.)

As our main text verse tells us, if there is any virtue – direct your thoughts (and actions) to that.

Related Scripture

2 Peter 1: 3-9 (BSB) His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through the knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence. Through these He has given us His precious and magnificent promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, now that you have escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith virtue; and to virtue, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. For if you possess these qualities and continue to grow in them, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But whoever lacks these traits is nearsighted to the point of blindness, having forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins.

Proverbs 21:21 (NKJV) He who follows righteousness and mercy finds life, righteousness, and honor.

1 Timothy 6:11 (NKJV) But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness.

Matthew 5:6 (NKJV) Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I want to be worthy of being thought of as a fine, upstanding, virtuous person. One who reflects positively on You, Your son Yeshua (Jesus) and the whole body of Messiah (Christ). Help me in my walk today and every day to make the virtuous choice.

Amen

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Up next – If there be any Praise