Think On These Things~
If There Be Any Virtue

The Seventh in a Series on 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, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”
Philippians 4:8 (KJV)

Virtue is not really a topic that we discuss much these days.  Even back in Solomon’s day it seemed few and far between, hence in Proverbs 31 it asks the question of who can find a woman of virtue and goes on to say that she was of great value (verse 10). The rest of the chapter goes on to describe her many attributes.

Today we look at someone of virtue to display goodness, honesty, good, purity, pureness, lack of corruption (google definition); again showing how the points in the above Philippians verse are all interrelated.

Usually, when we think of a person of virtue today, we think of someone of the cloth or a Mother Theresa type, someone who cares for our homeless, the ones who have lost their countries. Virtue is not a limited resource; and a person of virtue is usually generous with possessions, love and compassion; and in return others help their cause as in Luke 6:38 (NKJV) where it says “Give, and it shall be given you; good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over…For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you.”  The way God wants us to live is a generous one, as He first is generous with us. I believe if we care for our homeless and even refugees, we will not run out of space nor resources—Our Father is the source of everything and He has promised to share with us a real and eternal life, more and better life than ever dreamed of (John 10:10 MSG).

“Virtues are the essence of our character…The more we recognize the potential impact that practicing virtues can have on our lives, the more our lives open up to new possibilities and to greater joy and fulfilment.” (virtuesforlife.com)

Prayer
Father, thank You for reminding us of the necessity to pause and meditate. As Christians we need to make sure that we remember to treat all fairly and with virtue. In Jesus’ name we pray.
Amen 

Study by Jackee Brown

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About the Author:
Jackee Brown is a member in the Worldwide Church of God UK Congregation in London.

Local Congregation:
Worldwide Church of God London
Indian YMCA Student Hostel
Mahatma Gandhi Hall
41 Fitzroy Square
LONDON W1T 6AQ

Meeting Time:
Saturday 2:30pm

Local Congregational Contact:
Martin Ryan
Phone:  07958 386944
Email: martin_ryan@wcg.org.uk