Finding the Positive Side of Life

Finding the positive side of life is not easy. Philippians 4:8 its a start

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

However, placing all of our life plans on one special verse is not wise.  For example, 2 Timothy 4:2 says:

Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.

The word encourage seems to fit Philippians 4:8 but the word rebuke seems out of place.

We could say that rebuking a person is covered under “Whatever is right” Some might even call that lovely.

The Apostle Paul who wrote both books does not apologize for often rebuking people which could be seen as focusing on the gaps instead of what is praiseworthy.

Jesus praised Peter for saying he was the Christ. Then, moments later, rebuked him for saying Jesus should not die.

Jesus did not throw Peter out when he said this.  Jesus was filled with Grace and Truth. We see people and events as they are, but we must also see them with Grace. This is how Jesus sees us. He sees what is good in us even when we are wrong. That is our God. He does not approve the wrong, but rather died for it.

Finding the Positive is Not Easy

It takes lots of work to see the positive. We need to see people snd know Jesus loves them and made them well. We love then because Jesus loves them. People around us desperately need us to catch them doing something right. They need us to see that they are made in the image of God.  Most people can bear little rebuke. Let’s give thanks for rebuke as able. However, let’s get back to seeing the positive. The world lacks people who look at us and smile.

Let’s be that. Paul knew something when he told us to see the good. When we have seen the good in people, they will be much more open to the rebuke. Let’s add lots of grace to the truth we see. By the way, we see all things subjectively, so may not be seeing truth as well as we think.  More reason to add grace. We should not be always asking for grace, but rather giving grace. God loved us, so we could love others. Lets get fed by Him foremost and reach a lost world.