“Excellent and Praiseworthy” | Think

“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.” (Philippians 4:8–9, ESV)

Paul points to the virtues as the focus of his teaching and the form of his life. We can paraphrase Paul’s line of thought in this way: “Think about such things as acts of selfless love in the service of others because they are excellent and praiseworthy. And my message and life are devoted to what is most excellent and praiseworthy: the self-emptying, self-humbling love of Christ on the cross. Put into practice the selfless love of Christ that you have learned from me and seen in me so that your lives will be excellent and praiseworthy.” – Walter Hansen

“And the effect of righteousness will be peace” (Isaiah 32:17a, ESV)