In Philippians 4:8 God says, “Finally, my brethren, whatever things are true…noble…just…pure…lovely…good report, if there is any virtue or anything praiseworthy, meditate on these things… and the God of peace will be with you.” What we meditate on in our mind and heart will rule our thinking, character, conduct, and actions! (Matthew 12:34; cf. 15:18) We should not say bitter words but be kind, walk in love, forgiving others, and imitating God, resulting in right living with God’s peace.
(Ephesians 4:29—5:1 cf. Phil. 4:7) Jesus is our model in Scripture. (John 17:3; cf. Psalm 18:28, 30) He chose to empty Himself, becoming a servant, dying a criminal’s death, for us. (Philippians 2:5-11) We must grow in Jesus every day through studying God’ Word! (1 Peter 2:2; cf. Psalm 49:3; 12:6-7) Only hearing someone preach the Bible is not enough. Jesus is victor over despair and death through His miracles. In Matthew 9: 18-31, a girl was restored to life, a woman healed with an issue of blood, and two blind men were healed. In Luke 8:40-56 Jesus said to them, “Do you believe that I am able to do this?” They answered, “Yes, Lord!” Jesus said, according to your faith let it be to you. In verses 53-54, Jesus put the people who ridiculed Him outside because they were speaking negatively. Never associate with people who are negative. (Psalm 1:1-2)
Faith grows only through studying God’s Word! (Romans 10:17) We must meditate on God’s Word, to speak God’s wisdom helping ourselves and others to develop into who God would have us to be. (Cf. Isaiah 40:8) If we walk in God’s word, we will walk in the Spirit. (Romans 8:9-14)