4:8Philippians 4:8

The verse commands fixing thought on whatever is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, of good report, virtuous and praiseworthy.CH 676.1+2 What the mind continually dwells on feeds the soul and changes the person into its likeness, shaping character, feelings, speech and action.Lt 63a, 1893, par. 7–10+4 The mind must therefore be deliberately trained, guarded and kept under God's control, turned away from what is low, impure and worthless and bound to dwell on Christ and heavenly things.CTBH 136.1+4 Toward others this means refusing to fix on defects, reports and scandal and instead dwelling on what is good, virtuous and commendable, which cultivates love and peacemaking instead of criticism and strife.Ms 29, 1907, par. 73+4 Joined to rejoicing, prayer with thanksgiving instead of anxious care, and doing what was learned in Paul, this thinking brings the peace of God to keep heart and mind through Christ.Lt 48, 1893, par. 41–43+2

Philippians 4:8 gives a rule for life directing the mind to fix thought on whatever is true, honorable or honest, just, pure, lovely, reputable or commendable or of good report, virtuous, and praiseworthy.CH 676.1+4 These subjects provide a wide and safe field for thought, and living by them gives public evidence before people and the heavenly universe of effort to follow Christ.CTBH 136.1+1 Taking heed to them belongs with serving God and trusting Him, and leads into doing what has been learned and seen, with the God of peace present.Lt 98, 1896, par. 38–40 It means diligently cultivating the pure principles of the gospel, which is a religion not of self-esteem but of love, meekness, and lowliness of heart, loving the brethren and esteeming them better than self so the mind does not dwell on scandal and flying reports.Ms 29, 1907, par. 73 When the mind is drawn toward low or sensual things it is to be turned back, for choosing elevating thoughts helps purify the imagination and resist impure thoughts.CTBH 136.1

In its setting the verse belongs with standing fast in the Lord, being of the same mind in the Lord, helping one another, rejoicing in the Lord always, letting moderation be known to all, praying with thanksgiving instead of anxious care, receiving the peace of God which passes understanding to keep heart and mind through Christ Jesus, and doing what was learned, received, heard, and seen in Paul so the God of peace will be present.Ms 119, 1907, par. 7–11+4 It commands deliberate control of thought away from darkness, worry, suppositions, and unpleasant things, gathering and keeping in memory the tokens of the Saviour's love, mercy, and tender compassion, refusing over-anxiety and inconsiderate speech, and making requests known to God by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving.Lt 48, 1893, par. 41–43 Dwelling on darkness makes the whole life a shadow, while this thinking joined to rejoicing brings guarding peace to heart and mind and supports a life of trust and consistent obedience.Lt 48, 1893, par. 41–43+1 Standing fast means thinking only on these worthy things, putting away thoughtless words, reflections and censure on those who do not deserve it, and wrathful bitter feelings because they are unjust and unholy, through transformation by studying the Bible and letting the Word have free course in the heart into practical life so God is glorified.Ms 46, 1902, par. 33–35 It also guards against doctrines that lead to dissension and strife, calling for holding the beginning of confidence firm to the end, refusing to let faith be unsettled or confused by strange doctrines and doctrines of devils that turn souls from truth, humbling the heart before God, watching unto prayer and guarding the spirit, practicing the life of Christ and overcoming, in preparation for future immortal life.Lt 44, 1907, par. 18–21

The passage upholds women as laborers with Paul in the gospel, with Clement and other fellow laborers whose names are in the book of life.Ms 119, 1907, par. 7–11 It shows the work the Lord has for women as well as men requires learning meekness in the school of Christ, possessing His Spirit, walking even as He walked, purifying the soul from everything that defiles, and benefiting others by presenting the all-sufficiency of Jesus.Ms 119, 1907, par. 7–11

As part of true education the verse commands disciplined thinking on what is virtuous and praiseworthy, for true education is walking humbly with God and keeping the law of God.Lt 132, 1909, par. 13–15 It stands against education molded by human ideas and against worldly higher education that causes departure from the faith.Lt 132, 1909, par. 13–15 The Word of God just as it reads contains the essence of truth and sets the standard for the mind.Lt 132, 1909, par. 13–15

What the mind continually dwells upon is spiritual food that determines character and spiritual health, for by beholding a person is changed into the image of what is contemplated.Lt 63a, 1893, par. 7–10+4 The mind is to be stored with truth and the memory filled with what is true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, commendable, virtuous and worthy of praise, rather than fixing attention on the faults of others and complaining about them.Lt 63a, 1893, par. 7–10+2 Constantly focusing on the mistakes and defects of others prevents attending to what is good and wholesome and leaves the soul without the nourishment needed for vitality and growth.Lt 63, 1893, par. 6–11+2 Continued attention to sin can make what was once hated seem pleasant and can debase the person, while grace draws the mind upward and accustoms it to pure thought through watchfulness and prayer.CTBH 127.3+2 Dwelling on the contrast of souls serving God and on power to transform a degraded, polluted sinner into Christ's likeness lets the bright beams of the Sun of Righteousness into the heart, keeps out the root of bitterness, prevents perplexity over human weakness even among professed Christians, and teaches trust in God rather than in man.Lt 63a, 1893, par. 23–25+1

Dwelling on defects educates in suspicion, jealousy, complaining, faultfinding and evil speaking, and can make the dweller like those very imperfections.Lt 63a, 1893, par. 7–10+3 Feeding upon what is objectionable in brethren fills the feeder with the objectionable things seen, heard and imagined, manifests that corrupt food in character, coarsens speech into rough and discourteous language, and makes the critic a channel of darkness.Lt 63, 1893, par. 6–11+1 By contrast, turning the eyes from error and refusing to grieve, complain and lament imperfections, and looking to Christ the perfect pattern and copying His perfect example by beholding with the Spirit's aid, develops a Christlike character and produces pure and holy practices.Lt 63a, 1893, par. 7–10+2 The mind is to be turned from defective Christians lacking Christlikeness to devoted doers bearing the divine image, recognizing and choosing the good in those who live out the Word, with doctrine and practice inseparable and rest found in learning meekness and lowliness of heart.Lt 63a, 1893, par. 7–10+1

Thoughts shape feelings, and thoughts and feelings together form moral character, speech and action.ST Aug 23, 1905+2 What a person thinks shapes what that person becomes, so rightly disciplined thoughts bring feelings under control and support kindness, courtesy, love and Christian character.ST Aug 23, 1905+2 If thoughts are right, words will be right and actions will bring gladness, comfort and rest to souls, with pure, kind and true speech as the outward expression of inward grace that encourages others and helps win them to Christ.ED 235.1+2 Dwelling on suspicion, doubt and complaint leads to unhappiness and exposes a person to evil influence, while impure thoughts defile the soul, weaken the moral sense, dim spiritual sight and obstruct clear understanding of spiritual truth.ST Aug 23, 1905+1 No one but the person can control his thoughts, and success or failure in reaching the highest standard depends much on how thoughts are disciplined, girded each day and kept upon subjects that aid devotion, rather than moving in fitful, unconsidered efforts or dreams of great purposes in which self figures unto self-exaltation.ST Aug 23, 1905+1

God's converting power purifies the heart and thoughts, draws the mind upward, and forms the habit of holy meditation.ST Aug 23, 1905+3 A heart renewed by the Spirit develops a renewed taste for what is lovely, honest, true and of good report, becomes absorbed in Christ's greatness and goodness, and finds divine contemplation natural.ST Aug 23, 1905+2 As goodness, mercy and love are considered through the Word, understanding of truth grows clearer, desire for purity and clear thought deepens, and believers are transformed into humility, kindness and love in God's image.ST Aug 23, 1905+2 This way of thinking shapes speech and conduct, replacing unkind judgments with sympathy and care so as to refine and ennoble others, sanctifying the whole person, safeguarding against temptation and enabling victory.ST Aug 23, 1905+1

The mind must be carefully guarded and deliberately directed toward what is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, praiseworthy and virtuous, rather than left open to thoughts that invite impurity.Lt 100, 1898, par. 10–18+2 Keeping the mind clear, clean and healthy in this way belongs to keeping it under God's control and under the Holy Spirit's influence, who guides the mind upward and forms the habit of dwelling on holy things.Lt 100, 1898, par. 10–18+1 No one but the person himself can control his thoughts, and success or failure in reaching the highest standard depends much on the character and manner in which thoughts are disciplined.Lt 33, 1886, par. 6 This disciplined choice of thought is part of the constant spiritual watchfulness required in the conflict against evil, and includes keeping thoughts focused on Jesus and making Him part of all thought wherever one is.Ms 11, 1868, par. 11+1 Thoughts are to be girded each day as God directs and kept upon subjects that help to greater devotion and a close walk with God, for if thoughts are right words will be right and actions will bring gladness and comfort and rest to souls, while thoughts and dreamings of great purposes in which self figures lead to self-exaltation revealed in words and actions.Lt 33, 1886, par. 6

These subjects give a wide and safe field for thought and a healthful pattern that brings peace and love.CTBH 136.1+1 When the mind is drawn toward low or sensual things it should be turned back, for choosing elevating thoughts helps purify the imagination and resist impure thoughts.CTBH 136.1 When the mind turns toward other thoughts it is to be brought back and trained to remain on what brings peace and love, and if occupied otherwise than with sacred and eternal things it will dwell on trifling and superficial things so that religion cannot flourish in the soul.1T 711.3–712.1+1 Like a vine whose untrained tendrils straggle and fasten upon any rubbish within reach, thoughts must be broken off from worthless things and trained to entwine about what makes them graceful and well formed, rather than moving without thoughtful consideration in fitful efforts that amount to nothing.Lt 33, 1886, par. 6 This means deliberately fixing the mind on Christ and the heavenly world, on His words and character and the glories of the better land soon to be home, binding thoughts to keep them upon Jesus and upon pure and holy things at all times and in all places.ST Nov 30, 1882+1 Intellectual and moral powers grow stronger and improve through such disciplined exercise, yet a mind long permitted to dwell only on earthly things forms habits of thought that are hard to change, with what the eye sees and the ear hears constantly attracting attention and absorbing interest.MYP 397.2+1 The work of training the thoughts is strangely neglected, and its neglect leaves the heart impure and unfit to teach truth.Lt 5, 1886, par. 6

Practicing this requires earnest prayer and continual watchfulness, with prayer, the Holy Spirit's help and diligent study of the Word guarding the mind from impure thoughts and temptation.MYP 285.1–2+1 Believers must deliberately keep their minds centered on Christ, bring every thought into obedience to Him, and bring their habits under God's control.ST Aug 23, 1905 God's converting power purifies heart and thoughts, but right control of thought prepares people to serve God and supports peace and happiness, since what a person thinks shapes what that person becomes.ST Aug 23, 1905 Impure thoughts defile the soul, weaken moral sense, dim spiritual sight and obstruct clear understanding of spiritual truth, even though the repentant sinner is forgiven, while pure, truthful thought is a safeguard against temptation and truth sanctifies the whole person and enables victory over temptation.ST Aug 23, 1905 When imagination turns toward corrupt or vicious thoughts it must be restrained and disciplined to dwell on what is pure and heavenly, and prayer for strength from God enables this discipline.SA 29.1 In the setting of the last days this supports circumspect words and actions and a sober, watchful life rather than reckless talking and levity.18MR 370.3–4 Such meditation requires earnest effort and daily time set apart for prayerful meditation, thought and conversation, praying when traveling, when walking in the streets and wherever one is.ST Nov 30, 1882+1 Such meditation gives powerful stimulus and support in fighting spiritual battles, causes pride and love of the world to lose power beside His loveliness, makes all earthly attractions seem of little worth, and accustoms the eye of faith to beholding Jesus here so as to be fitted to enter the city of God and look upon Him in glory.ST Nov 30, 1882

Thought is to be deliberately controlled away from darkness, worry, suppositions and unpleasant things, refusing over-anxiety and inconsiderate speech, and instead making requests known to God by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving.Lt 48, 1893, par. 41–43 The verse means gathering and keeping in memory the tokens of the Saviour's love, mercy and tender compassion, and joined to always rejoicing and letting moderation be known, this thinking brings the peace of God which passes understanding to keep heart and mind, while dwelling on darkness makes the whole life a shadow.Lt 48, 1893, par. 41–43 The mind should dwell on eternal, heavenly things and on the truths and promises of the Bible, which comfort and lift it above petty faultfinding and other trifles toward weighty, eternal concerns.Ms 2, 1857, par. 1–2+1 It is to look on and meditate on the Scriptures in their grace and richness, claiming the rich grace of truth that nourishes the soul.Lt 186, 1902, par. 2 Dwelling on what is lofty, pure and holy includes contemplating heaven, the holy city, the earth made new and the believer's eternal home, which brings heaven near, draws the soul toward God, helps loosen its hold on the world, and through the Spirit makes the things of heaven the chief joy and consolation.EW 91.3

This same thinking guards against doctrines that lead to dissension and strife.Lt 44, 1907, par. 18–21 It means holding the beginning of confidence firm unto the end, refusing to let faith be unsettled or confused by strange doctrines and doctrines of devils that turn souls from the truth, humbling the heart, watching unto prayer and guarding the spirit, practicing His life and overcoming, in preparation for future immortal life.Lt 44, 1907, par. 18–21 It calls for guarding thoughts and faith by attending to what is good in the warning against confusing doctrines.13MR 163.4–164.1 It requires having nothing to do with controversy and dissension and strife because they bring darkness and discouragement to the soul, knowing truth as clear, pure and savory, avoiding meetings where there is dissension and refusal to credit God's words and obey His lessons, and speaking the truth in faith and love while leaving the result with God.Lt 186, 1902, par. 2+1 Meditating on Scripture and its rich truths nourishes the soul and brings grace, while controversy, dissension and strife darken and discourage the soul.17MR 63.2–64.1

The verse requires guarding the avenues of the soul with vigilance over the senses and guarding of the heart and resisting the carnal mind, and this training of the mind to dwell on what is true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, commendable, virtuous and worthy of praise fortifies against impure thoughts and actions.MYP 285.1–2+4 Letting thought dwell on impurity arouses passion and leads to sin, while directing it toward pure, holy and elevated things keeps it from temptation and debasement by corrupt passions.MYP 75.4–76.1+2 This guarding calls for prayer, watchfulness, the Holy Spirit's help, and diligent study of the Word.MYP 285.1–2+1

When imagination turns toward low, sensual, corrupt or vicious things it must be brought back and restrained and disciplined to dwell instead on what is pure, heavenly and more excellent.CTBH 136.1+3 Impure suggestions are to be dismissed at once and replaced with pure, uplifting contemplation of heavenly things, for these subjects provide a wide and safe field for thought that purifies the imagination and strengthens against temptation.CTBH 136.1+2 Prayer for strength and grace from God enables this control, and training the mind in this way brings increasing knowledge of God.SA 29.1+1

Continued attention to evil changes the beholder, so that sin once hated and loathed can come to seem pleasant and can debase the person.CTBH 127.3+2 Grace draws the mind upward and, with refining help, makes meditation on pure and holy things a habit that guards against this decline.CTBH 127.3+2 Watchfulness and prayer in guarding the heart belong to resisting that downward pull.SA 48.3

The same standard governs reading and all mental food, calling for choice of what is true and of eternal value and for diligent study of God's Word.RH Jul 19, 1906+1 Story magazines, novels, and publications with ridiculous pictures poison the mind and must be avoided, and the mind must not be filled with unreal, trivial, trifling and superficial thoughts, for otherwise religion cannot flourish in the soul.RH Jul 19, 1906+2 Occupying the mind with sacred and eternal things through disciplined exercise strengthens and improves the intellectual and moral powers.MYP 397.2

Meditation on what is pure and excellent with thoughtful consideration elevates, refines and ennobles every word and action and character.ST Oct 15, 1885+1 This is greatly needed by young men to guard against the sins of a degenerate age, to stand aloof from everything savoring of commonness and undue familiarity, to avoid sin in thoughtlessness, to think more and act less impulsively, to keep personal defects out of work of infinite importance, to meet with greater success in labor, to represent the character of Christ, and to let progress be evident to all.ST Oct 15, 1885+2 Youth are to keep thoughts from becoming cheap and low and to cultivate pure, noble aspirations unto steadfast principle through high and holy impulses wrought with the mind, and keeping the mind on themes that strengthen purity of heart fortifies against Satan's deceptions, so that a woman reserved and yet kind and courteous is surrounded by an atmosphere of purity that shields her from unwarranted familiarity.SPBC 160.4+1

Thinking on what is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, of good report, virtuous and praiseworthy belongs together with rejoicing always, letting moderation be known, refusing anxious care, making requests known to God by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, and doing what was learned, received, heard and seen in Paul.Lt 48, 1893, par. 41–43+3 This deliberate control of thought turns away from darkness, worry, suppositions, unpleasant things and over-anxiety, and gathers and keeps in memory tokens of the Saviour's love, mercy and tender compassion with precious things of peace, righteousness and grace stored in the mind.Lt 48, 1893, par. 41–43+2 So kept, the peace of God which passes understanding keeps heart and mind through Christ Jesus, and the God of peace is present with the believer.Lt 48, 1893, par. 41–43+4 It also means holding confidence firm to the end, refusing to be unsettled by strange doctrines and doctrines of devils that lead to dissension and strife, humbling the heart, watching unto prayer, guarding the spirit, practicing the life of Christ and overcoming in preparation for immortal life.Lt 44, 1907, par. 18–21 It forbids climbing on the judgment seat to judge motives and to think and speak evil, and refuses to feed on the defects, imperfections and objectionable things seen, heard and imagined in others, which would fill the feeder with corrupt food, manifest itself in character, coarsen speech into rough discourteous language and make the critic a channel of darkness.Ms 3, 1895, par. 8–11+1

Disciplining the mind to dwell on cheerful, good, worthy subjects rather than unpleasant and discouraging things is a religious duty.Lt 34, 1874, par. 7+2 A quiet mind satisfied in God and the consciousness of doing right benefit body and mind, support peace with God and happiness, and support health and life.Lt 34, 1874, par. 7+2 Neglect of this discipline leads either to frivolous excitement or to depression and mental conflict, while fixing the mind on sad pictures brings misery, does no good and lessens usefulness.Lt 34, 1874, par. 7+1 Right control of thought prepares for service to God, for what is contemplated shapes what a person becomes, and pure truthful thought brought into obedience to Christ and under God's control safeguards against temptation, sanctifies the whole person and gives victory.ST Aug 23, 1905

The same thinking turns away from rehearsing personal trials, past wrongs and grievances, self-sacrifice, failures and the faults of others, which feeds darkness and unbelief.Lt 1, 1883, par. 32–34+2 In their place it fixes on Christ's character, His words, His love for sinners, grace freely given, and the hope of the rich reward, the eternal reward and immortal inheritance.Lt 1, 1883, par. 32–34+3 This is the safe course for thought that helps forgive and forget, gain victory over a harmful course of thought, and prevent gloom and despondency.Lt 1, 1883, par. 32–34+1 It includes deliberate contemplation of the heavenly world, heaven, the holy city, the earth made new and the better land soon to be home, requiring earnest effort and daily time set apart for prayerful meditation, thought and conversation because a mind long left on earthly things forms habits hard to change.ST Nov 30, 1882+1 Such meditation gives powerful stimulus and support in spiritual battle, causes pride and love of the world to lose power beside the loveliness of Christ, makes earthly attractions seem of little worth, brings heaven near, draws the soul to God, loosens its hold on the world, accustoms faith to behold Jesus here so as to be fitted to look upon Him in glory, and makes heavenly things the chief joy and consolation through the Holy Spirit.ST Nov 30, 1882+1

Applied to relationships, the verse means refusing to fix attention on the errors, failings, defects and imperfections of others, refusing to grieve and complain and lament over them and lose time in it, and instead turning the eyes away from error to dwell on what is good in them, their virtues and redeeming qualities, storing the mind with truth and filling memory with what is true, honest, just, pure, lovely and of good report and with pure, holy practice.2T 437.1+4 What is beheld shapes character, for by dwelling on a thing a person becomes changed into its image, so dwelling on defects educates in suspicion, jealousy, complaining, faultfinding and evil speaking and can make a person like those imperfections, while looking to Christ and copying His perfect example develops a Christlike character and pure and holy practices.Lt 63a, 1893, par. 7–10+1 Constantly focusing on the mistakes and defects of others keeps a person from attending to what is good and wholesome and leaves the soul without the food needed for spiritual vitality and growth, whereas talk that benefits neither speaker nor hearer brings evil and barrenness that the brief time of probation should not be spent on.Lt 23a, 1893, par. 50–56+1 The mind is therefore to be turned from defective Christians who lack Christlikeness to devoted doers of the Word who bear the divine image, and above all to Christ the perfect pattern studied in the Word and copied by beholding with the aid of the Spirit until the character presented to the world is Christlike, with rest from turmoil, confusion and strife of tongues for those who learn in His school to be meek and lowly in heart, since Christian doctrine and Christian practice are inseparable.Lt 63a, 1893, par. 7–10+1

It forbids letting the mind dwell on scandal and flying reports, on false reports and damaging reports, and on the garbage of unbelief, distrust, conjectures and imaginings against brethren, and it guards against believing all reports heard.Ms 29, 1907, par. 73+4 This is a religion not of self-esteem but of love, meekness and lowliness of heart, loving the brethren and esteeming them better than self, being all light in the Lord, walking by faith through hellish shadow and centering faith in Christ the Advocate.Ms 29, 1907, par. 73+1 The mind must be turned at once from the enemy's suggestions, lest construing brethren's words to mean demerit when no such thought is in them becomes fixed habit.Lt 25a, 1895, par. 6–9 Thinking well of fellow believers rather than dwelling on evil belongs to thinking on what is true, honest, just, pure, lovely and of good report with virtue and praise, and lets those thoughts shape kind, loving speech and conduct.TBC1882b 22.1–23.1

It calls for an unprejudiced view in judging people and their actions, recognizing what can be excused and what can be commended rather than dwelling chiefly on faults.Lt 21, 1888, par. 43+1 Remembering and considering what is good in others, instead of dwelling on their faults or collecting their inconsiderate words and acts as grounds for resentment, opposes envy and prejudice.TBC1882 32.1–2 Looking without prejudice in this way finds fewer grounds for blame.12MR 382.1–384.2 Instead of dwelling on people who are disliked or keeping a record of their faults and grievances, attention is to be given to what is good.5T 55.4

It means thinking and speaking well of brethren and sisters instead of thinking evil and spreading false reports, dwelling only on what is pure and good and of good report, which is Christlike and belongs to being true, pure and holy Christians with sympathy and love in the heart.Ms 7, 1882, par. 26 It forbids climbing upon the judgment seat to judge the motives of others and to think and speak evil of them, while joining rejoicing always, letting moderation be known, being careful for nothing, and making requests known to God by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving so that peace keeps heart and mind.Ms 3, 1895, par. 8–11 Instead of dwelling earnestly on damaging reports and others' faults, conversation is to speak about Christ and His character, including His benevolence, forgiveness, tenderness, patience and love, and conversation centered on Christ refreshes the spirit and bears fruit in holiness and everlasting life.1T 573.2–574.3 Thinking well of fellow believers in this way shapes kind, loving speech and conduct.TBC1882b 22.1–23.1

This way of thinking cultivates love and peacemaking instead of criticism, estrangement and strife.2T 437.1 Training the mind to dwell on what is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, virtuous and worthy of praise, rather than on disagreeable things that bring no strength, can improve feelings toward one another and lift mind and soul toward God above earthly concerns, a counsel for believers in every age.Ms 7, 1888, par. 33–34 Objectionable traits must be overcome rather than excused as weaknesses others must tolerate, selfishness must be guarded against, and whatever is in harmony with Christ cultivated while whatever is unlike Him is put away, since these qualities are not merely ideals to admire but belong to the transformation of character needed to become like Christ.GW92 445.2 The mind is to be turned from what is vile and deformed toward what is attractive and lovely, and this goes with tenderness and forbearance toward others who do not delight in exposing faults, for faultfinding, censure and condemnation are painful.5T 96.1+1

Thinking on what is true, honest, just, pure, lovely, of good report, virtuous and praiseworthy shapes speech into pure, kind, true, gracious and spiritually beneficial words as the outward expression of inward grace.ED 235.1+4 What fills the heart comes out in words, so such thoughts produce language that encourages others, helps win them to Christ, and reflects divine love, mercy and Christlike character.ED 235.1+1 Instead of dwelling on damaging reports and the faults of others, the mind is to dwell on Christ and His benevolence, forgiveness, tenderness, patience and love, on Jesus, Christian hope and the beauties of faith, and conversation centered on Him refreshes the spirit and bears fruit in holiness and everlasting life.1T 573.2–574.3+1 This standard sanctifies the family through the truth and gives a saving influence to how its members live and speak.2T 317.1 It controls spirit and words at home and abroad, replacing unkind judgments with sympathy and care that refines others.Lt 68, 1895, par. 9–13

Feeding on faults fills the feeder with the objectionable things seen, heard and imagined, and that corrupt food appears in character.Lt 68, 1895, par. 9–13 It coarsens speech into rough, discourteous, unchristian language and makes the critic a channel of darkness, while obedience preserves refinement of speech with grace and keeps heart and mind in the peace of God.Lt 68, 1895, par. 9–13

Truth must influence both great matters and small daily acts, and must be lived rather than merely known, entering and governing the heart lest selfishness, pride, impatience and other defects remain.Ms 82, 1898, par. 38–40 Keeping what is honest, true, lovely, noble, pure and worthy of approval before the mind guards against dishonesty in small matters as well as great, refusing to take what is not truly one's own even when no one would discover it.Lt 20, 1868, par. 3 Renewed commitment to what is true, lovely and of good report calls for faithfulness in small duties, kindness, cheerfulness, orderliness and considerate treatment of others in daily choices and character, not in thought alone.2T 311.2–312.1 What is pure, lovely and of good report is to rule conduct as the standard of duty, so that choosing opposed practices tramples on God's Word.Lt 183, 1905, par. 8–13 Defrauding others of time and ability is opposed to what is pure, lovely and of good report, and grasping, dishonest conduct that weakens spiritual life and disgraces the Christian name is unsafe to follow, for Christians are to live holy, uncorrupted lives.Ms 26, 1899, par. 18+1

Gathering up precious things of peace, righteousness and grace to store the mind supplies the soul's treasure from which good and lovely words are shared in daily labor.Lt 68, 1895, par. 9–13+1 Keeping thoughts elevated and fixed on Christ supports faithful service, and in the workplace raising the mind above ordinary business and working wholeheartedly for the Lord belongs to Christian service and the duty to direct thoughts toward holy things.Lt 220, 1897, par. 2–3+1

These are simple lessons every parent can understand and teach to children without language more elevated than Christ used.Ms 57, 1910, par. 19–21 Children are to be taught through careful, loving training to love what is honest, pure and holy, with minds and aspirations cultivated toward good things and pure aspirations developed.Ms 57, 1910, par. 19–21+2 What is lovely and worthy of praise includes a wife's companionship and inspiration, which a husband should value above perfect household order and timely meals, giving priority to family love, character, health and intellectual life over outward neatness and display.ST Aug 5, 1875

What is lovely and of good report is Christ's character itself, spotless and holy yet meek and lowly and unselfish, winning souls by gentleness and love and by patience, forbearance and meekness.Lt 19, 1880, par. 9–10 To think on these things is to study Christ more and self less and to copy His example, combining the most rigid sense of justice, purity and integrity with lovable attraction of disposition and character.Lt 19, 1880, par. 9–10 That combination appears in kind words, unselfish courtesy and regard for others, and genuine sympathy even for the erring and sinful, so that a living, lovable Christian wearing the beauty of holiness in character and conduct becomes the most powerful argument for the gospel.Lt 19, 1880, par. 9–10

Christ embraced everything pure, true, lovely and of good report in unexampled excellence, in moral excellence faultless and worthy of report.4MR 234.4–237.3+1 In the strength of young manhood He lived temperately with healthy body and mind, never wasting time in indolence, sensual pleasure, self-indulgence or things of no profit, and never visiting places of dissipating pleasure, yet perfect in grace.4MR 234.4–237.3 His character is the standard for youth in the same period of life, to be imitated, loved and walked in, and thinking on God, heaven and eternal things ennobles thought, gives new spring to the intellect, widens its scope and unfolds mental energies without dwarfing or crippling them.4MR 234.4–237.3+1

Standing fast means thinking only on what is true, honest, just, pure, lovely and of good report, and on whatever has virtue and praise, putting away thoughtless words, reflections and censure on those who do not deserve it, and putting away wrathful, bitter feelings because they are unjust and unholy.Ms 46, 1902, par. 33–35+2 The mind is to be turned from defective Christians who lack Christlikeness to those truly devoted doers of the Word who bear the divine image, and above all to Christ the perfect pattern and model, studied in the Word and copied by beholding with the aid of the Spirit to distinguish pure from impure, until the character presented to the world is Christlike.Lt 63a, 1893, par. 7–10+2 This is transformation through letting the Word have free course in the heart and bringing its principles into practical life so that God is glorified, doing the things learned, received, heard and seen in Paul with the promise that the God of peace shall be present, keeping thoughts focused on Jesus in all thoughts wherever they are, with ministers encouraging the church to look away from faults and behold the One altogether lovely.Ms 46, 1902, par. 33–35+2 Christian doctrine and Christian practice are inseparable, and those who learn in Christ's school to be meek and lowly in heart find rest from turmoil, confusion and strife of tongues.Lt 63, 1893, par. 6–11

Dwelling on the contrast of souls serving God and on His miracle-working power to transform a poor, degraded, morally polluted sinner to become like Christ in character allows that transformation to happen, making sinners partakers of the divine nature having escaped the corruption in the world through lust.Lt 63a, 1893, par. 23–25+1 Thinking on these good things lets the bright beams of the Sun of Righteousness into the heart and keeps out the root of bitterness whereby many are defiled.Lt 63a, 1893, par. 23–25 It keeps unfavorable revelations of humanity even among professed Christians from causing perplexity or discouragement, and teaches trust in God in faith rather than putting trust in man or making flesh an arm, for looking continually at evil makes like the evil beheld while attending to what is good helps look to God.Lt 63a, 1893, par. 23–25+1

What is pure and lovely and of good report matures in experience when Jesus lives in the heart to supply all lack, since erring, imperfect learners in His school cannot in their own strength represent His character.ST Jan 4, 1883+1 It requires seeking a new and genuine experience, making wrongs right as far as possible, confessing errors and sins one to another, putting away all bitterness and wrath and malice, and letting patience, long-suffering, kindness and love become part of the very being.ST Jan 4, 1883 Accepting Christ as personal Saviour and imitating His example allows Him to mold and fashion the character by imparting His divine attributes, and then what is true, honest, lovely and of good report adorns doctrine and makes religion winsome in character, bright as a light shining in a dark place.Ms 28, 1894, par. 3–4 True devotion flows from deep heart-love for Christ, with faith working by love that purifies the soul, quenches the selfish desire to be first and all hatred in thought and heart, and brings unselfish interest in brethren and loyalty that realizes the value of souls.Ms 168, 1902, par. 14–15

Thinking on what is honest and lovely and of good report belongs to those who are Christ's and have crucified the flesh with its affections and lusts.Lt 75, 1886, par. 9–11+2 It comes from keeping understanding and heart in closest connection with God, drinking deeper from the living Fountain, receiving illumination from above, and having tastes, appetites, habits and passions under control of the Spirit, and it prepares to judge righteously and to serve in ministry.Lt 75, 1886, par. 9–11 Honesty, loveliness and good report mark those seeking heaven and those serving God, pure, lovely, honest, kind and faithful in conduct, and they are not compatible with conniving at sin or covering it up.Lt 36, 1887, par. 14+3 The standard also supports a conscious dignity of character, self-respect that is not pride or self-esteem but a safeguard that helps value and preserve good reputation and character amid corrupting associations.Lt 36, 1887, par. 14+1

Such devotion, joined to zeal and staunch principle, makes a person companionable, helpful and a convincing representative, with Christ formed within, putting away natural and cultivated tendencies to wrong and all harshness, pretense and mere profession, and becoming Christian in daily action and life like the Christ life.Ms 168, 1902, par. 36–38+2 True, lovable conduct brings Christ's righteousness into the daily life, adorns doctrine, shines as light in darkness, and becomes the most powerful argument for truth and convincing evidence of divine grace that converts sinners and gains victories over the enemy.Ms 168, 1902, par. 36–38+2 Virtue of character, truth in the heart and love like Christ's are riches of His kingdom valued by God, and the Spirit's graces ripen until the person reflects His likeness in what is pure, noble and lovely, for only genuine Christianity will be welcomed to the heavenly courts while profession without His life is mockery.Ms 168, 1902, par. 36–38+2

Every gathering that is pure and lovely and of good report has His approval, and His presence at the marriage honored it, showing harmony with it and full sympathy with pure family joy.Ms 126, 1903, par. 23–24 He came not to put a cloud over happiness or to enforce celibacy but to exalt marriage and restore it to its original sanctity where sacred and unselfish love bears sway.Ms 126, 1903, par. 23–24 Associating with lives reflecting His virtues cultivates elevated aspirations and a new taste for what is good, without which thoughts and religious practice become increasingly confused and degraded.SW 35.1 Those who would save others create new tastes for what is honest and good and pure and lovely by diligently nurturing those weak in moral power until they become strong and firm and helpful in the same saving work, by drinking of the water of life so heavenly streams flow out to refresh others, and by guarding the weak away from pleasure-seeking companies whose amusements prove a curse in the end, gathering instead in select companies to pray and speaking refreshing words fed by the bread and water of life in mutual care and love.Lt 163, 1895, par. 6–7+1

What is pure, lovely and of good report must be strengthened and watered in character while many wrong things are repressed.Lt 33, 1879, par. 10–12+1 This happens by careful, thorough, impartial self-examination of heart and life, comparing thoughts, tempers, purposes, words and deeds with the law of God, praying for the Lord to reveal defects, and seeking grace to destroy what is wrong and supply what is lacking.Lt 33, 1879, par. 10–12 So life harmonizes with God's moral standard of right and becomes an example of gospel holiness as a bright and shining light.Lt 33, 1879, par. 10–12+1