Phil 4:8 (NKJV) Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.
Lovely.
I am expecting that this could take a while to put this post together, given the word “lovely” and how it relates to “love” and the millions of references and inferences I could make on the topic.
However, as I look at the Greek word behind “lovely”, which is prosphiles [pros·fee·lace], I am intrigued that this is the only time in Scripture that this form of this word is used. The only verse in the over 31,000 verses in the Bible, that uses this form of this word. I find that interesting and difficult as there is nothing else to compare it to and infer deeper meaning or implications… You know me, I like doing that…
Strong’s concordance presumes this is a compound word from two other words – “pros” and “phileo” (now that one is familiar…)
Pros translates into “unto” 340 times and “to” 203 times. But it is another form of the word “pro” which basically means “before”.
Phileo means “to love’; to approve of; to treat affectionately or kindly; a kiss;” and is a form of philos which means “friend; companion; one of the bridegroom’s friends who on his behalf asked the hand of the bride and rendered him various services in closing the marriage and celebrating the nuptials.” Let’s just say this isn’t the same as being “friended” on Facebook! Nor is this the same standard by which my kids explain their relationships.
I remember many years ago when we went on a family vacation to Destin, Florida. One day we were hanging at the beach and one of my daughters (who was 4 or 5 at the time) met some other little kid on the beach and they played for an hour or so. When she finally came over to where were sitting for some water, I asked her who she was playing with and she replied confidently and without hesitation, “My friend.” I asked her what her friend’s name was and she paused, looked back over her shoulder at the child on the beach, stared for a couple of seconds, and looked back at me and said, “I don’t know,” got her water and ran back over to play with her nameless friend.
No, this word “philos” is much more than that. It implies a close association, an intimacy on a deeper level. A relationship that has been proven trustworthy over time. I have to admit, I would have to really trust someone to have them propose on my behalf and “help me out” during the nuptials…. I mean come on! It’s the kind of friendship (although fictional) portrayed by Lucy and Ethyl in “I Love Lucy.”
So – for me – today’s meditation is specific to those close and intimate relationships I have – those different than any of my acquaintances, associates, and Facebook friends.
I think the meditation (at least in part) opens the eyes of my heart to the goodness of my God in giving me these relationships – with my wife, my children, my parents, my sister and family, those few really close men whom I consider as brothers. When I think about and am (as The Message version puts it) “filling my mind and meditating on” those lovely things – my heart is filled with gratitude and thankfulness, as it’s not about quantity – but about quality. When I meditate on those relationships my heart wants to nurture, nourish and not neglect them – as it is so easy for me to take them for granted.
My life filter continues to grow. First it was “true” – which pertains to my words – which overflow from my heart. Next it was “noble” – which pertains to my actions. The Paul added “just” – which pertains towards others and my overall outwardly actions. Yesterday I was undone over “pure” which is in relation to myself and how “in tune” I am with Jesus (and quite honestly this might get another post!). Today I’ve discovered that “lovely” is specific to those relationships closest to me.
“…whatever things are lovely… meditate on these things.”
…Running After Papa