The Lodestar

The “peace of God” promised to people who trust the Lord and are grateful to him is unexplainable (surpasses all understanding” (Phil 4:7). But it also guides their behaviour and value system.

In this verse, Paul elaborates on God's peace ruling the thoughts and behaviour of a Christ-follower. In the previous verses, he exhorted the believers to pray with gratitude without anxiety: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God” (Phil 4:6). If they do so, then “the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Phil 4:7).

The word “finally” (v. 8) continues the thought of the peace of God from verse seven. It describes the steps to experience this inner tranquillity, known as “peace of God,” continually. To reach this level of Christian experience, we should not only think about the virtues listed here but also allow them to shape our conduct. Greek scholars suggest that the Greek word translated as “think about these things” should be translated as “take into account, reflect upon and then allow these things to shape your conduct.”

The followers of Christ must be committed to following everything that is “accepted as true.” This includes the unpalatable truths about us that lead to self-deception. At the same time, they should respect whatever is respectable (honourable). In other words, those who experience the peace of God in their hearts should treat others graciously.

The word “just” means “law-abiding”; Christ-followers should not be unruly, but they must be “pure” or guiltless in their actions and relationships. “Lovely” and “commendable” relate to their life choices. “Lovely” in Greek means “acceptable” since the natural human inclination is to accept what appears lovely and reject the ugly. The list could go on, so Paul advises to include any virtue “excellent” and “worthy of praise.” These two words imply that the followers of Christ should conduct themselves in a manner that elicits praise from ethically upright people, whether believers or not, considered socially acceptable.

The peace of God promised to believers is not merely a passive inner disposition; it is functional and discernible to those we interact with, as it guides our behaviour.

This week, actively cultivate the peace of God in daily life. Start each day by praying with gratitude, bringing every worry to God. Reflect on the virtues Paul lists—truth, honour, justice, purity, and kindness—and choose at least one to put into practice as you interact with others. Let God’s peace influence not just your thoughts but also your actions, showing grace and integrity. Encourage someone else by sharing how the peace of God changes your outlook and behaviour. Let your life radiate God’s peace in tangible ways. Begin each day with grateful prayer and intentionally entrust your worries to God. Choose one virtue—from truth to kindness—and practice it in your relationships this week. Let God’s peace shape both your thoughts and your behaviour, making your life a visible testimony to those around you.

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