“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.” Philippians 4:8
Here we learn that we are to think about what is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent and praiseworthy, and Scripture teaches us that Jesus is all of these:
Jesus is true: Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6
Jesus is honorable: “Jesus has been found worthy of greater honor than Moses, just as the builder of a house has greater honor than the house itself.” Hebrews 3:3 NIV
Jesus is just: “…you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption, so that, as it is written, “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.” 1 Corinthians 1:30-31
Jesus is pure: “And everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure”. 1 John 3:3
Jesus is lovely: “he is altogether lovely.” Song of Solomon 5:16 NIV
Jesus is commendable: “For when he received honor and glory from God the Father, and the voice was borne to him by the Majestic Glory, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased,” 2 Peter 1:17
Jesus is excellent: “O Lord, our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth!” Psalm 8:1 KJV
Jesus is worthy of praise: “…Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing! And I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, saying, “To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!” Revelation 5:11-13
Oh, friend, we need to meditate on Jesus and His gospel. By His death and resurrection, Jesus has secured the purifying miracle that we need for our heart.
Do you find yourself struggling with fears, doubts, anger or disappointment? Do you find mean, ugly or evil words pouring out of your mouth when you are distressed?
Think of Jesus and let His death and resurrection fill your heart and mind, and your troublesome thoughts will be crowded out by all the good, true and excellent thoughts of the One who died and rose again to save and sanctify you.
Ask Jesus, the Word of God made flesh, to transform your words so that you speak life and not death. He is faithful; He will do it (1 Thessalonians 5:24).
Question 6. Write out some pure and lovely thoughts that you will think about today so that your heart will be centered in the gospel of Jesus.
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As your heart is encouraged by the gospel, you will want to share these words of life with your spouse.
If your spouse expresses that their sin is too great and that God cannot forgive them, encourage them with the truth of the gospel: our God is mighty to save (Isaiah 63:1)! There is no sin so great that it cannot be forgiven (Psalm 51). “Through him everyone who believes is set free from every sin, a justification you were not able to obtain under the law of Moses” (Acts 13:39).
If your spouse doesn’t believe that they can break free of their sin struggle, encourage them with the gospel: Jesus overcame death and hell, and if we believe in Him His Spirit lives within us; and if Christ’s Spirit is in us then we can overcome our flesh (Romans 8:7-38) by looking to and fixing our eyes on Jesus (Hebrews 12:1-3).
Question 7. How can you speak words of life (the gospel) to your spouse today? Think through what specific words you might use and write them here.
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I pray that you will not only speak words of life to your spouse but also to your own heart, dear friend. We need the good news of hope found at the cross, abundant life through Jesus’ death (John 10:10), and eternal life through Jesus’ sacrifice (John 3:16).