What does it mean that we should think on whatever is right (Philippians 4:8)?

Response

In Philippians 4:8, the apostle Paul instructs the believers in Philippi on how to overcome anxiety and worry, and instead, find joy and contentment in the Christian life by focusing on things that are pleasing to God. By doing so, Christians “protect their hearts” through proper thinking, which ultimately influences their behavior. (Proverbs 4:23). Paul includes in his list of commendable virtues for believers to contemplate the command to “think about whatever is right.”

How can we safeguard our minds by pondering what is right? The term “right” in the original Greek language means “just, in accordance with justice, morally correct, proper.” The KJV and NKJV translate it as “just.” This concept specifically pertains to our interactions with others. One commentary suggests that thinking about what is right involves fairness among all parties, meeting all obligations and debts. Focusing on right thoughts helps avoid conflicts and prompts consideration of the needs and rights of others (Anders, M., Galatians—Colossians, Vol. 8, Broadman & Holman, 1999, p. 262).

Another commentary explains that a person is “just” and therefore right when they give to God and others what is rightfully theirs. They acknowledge and fulfill their duties to God and humanity (Loh, I. and Nida, E. A., A Handbook on Paul’s Letter to the Philippians, United Bible Societies, 1995, p. 134). In essence, understanding Paul’s message as “thinking about what is right in the sight of God and people” or “considering what is fair to all parties involved” is a valuable interpretation.

One issue Paul addresses in his letter to the Philippians is how to manage disagreements among church members. He highlights a specificAn argument between two women in the church: “Now I appeal to Euodia and Syntyche. Please, because you belong to the Lord, settle your disagreement. And I ask you, my true partner, to help these two women, for they worked hard with me in telling others the Good News” (Philippians 4:2-3;NLT).

Earlier in the epistle, Paul urges the church, “Make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your interests but each of you to the interests of others. In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus” (Philippians 2:2-5).

When we love others humbly and unselfishly, when we esteem our brothers and sisters as better than ourselves, when we look out for their interests and not just our own, we are thinking on whatever is right. This kind of right thinking, especially in strained relationships, promotes peace and unity and spreads the joy of the Lord.

Thinking on whatever is right is unselfish thinking. It humbly considers ways to uplift and encourage others. It looks to the needs of others and puts an end to selfish ambition and quarreling. It does “everything without grumbling or arguing” «Do all things without murmurings and disputings: », (Philippians 2:14). Christ is the ultimate authority on right thinking: “He gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross” (Philippians 2:7-8;NLT).

In

Ephesians 4:2, Paul echoes the sentiment: “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.” As we reflect carefully on what is right, these thoughts begin to shape our conduct.

The word “right” can also refer to being righteous. Psalm 11:7 tells us that God Himself is righteous and loves and rewards justice in His people. When Paul says to “think about these things” at the end of Philippians 4:8, he means to “consider, give thought to, and reason out” these virtues. Next, he says, “practice these things” «Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you. », (Philippians 4:9, ESV). As believers, we are to think about what is right and then reason out how to “put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness” «and that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. », (Ephesians 4:24).

The goal of filling our minds with what is right is becoming like Christ—the Righteous One (1 John 2:1;Acts 3:14). As we are transformed by the renewing of our minds «And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. », (Romans 12:2), thinking on what is right, we begin to “put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator” «and have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him: », (Colo

Colossians 3:10).