THAT WHICH CALLS FORTH LOVE

Finally, brothers, whatever is . . . lovely . . . think about such things (Philippians 4:8).

Last Thursday, about noon,  the parking lot of the local convenience store was clogged and I was in a hurry--not a good combination.  Helen and I were going to travel to my daughter's to celebrate her birthday and to watch my grandson play basketball.  When I pulled into the parking place, I thought I needed to square up, so I backed up, not noticing that a young man in a 2014 Chevy Cruze had pulled in behind me.  He honked the horn to warn me, but it did not register in my hurried brain.  I did stop, however, but not before I scraped his new car.  The young man was very angry and said some very bad things, but I did understand his feelings.  It was his first new car after years of driving old "clunkers." I have had that same kind of experience.  We exchanged insurance company information and the local police came and investigated the accident.  Prior to our leaving the scene the young man apologized to me for his behavior.  I was truly amazed.  He didn't have to do that.  I am pretty sure if I would have given the young man the same behavior that he gave me at the beginning there would have been no apology forth coming!  I do give this young man a lot of credit!!

The Greek word is prosphile, lovely, in Philippians 4:8.  In his commentary, The Daily Study Bible, William Barclay says that this word could be translated, That which calls forth love.  One of the things that Christians are called to consider is, What do my thoughts, attitudes and behavior "call forth" in others?  Fear and bitterness will call out the same in those around us.  Criticism and rebuke can call forth resentment and anger in others.  However, empathy and kindness can well call forth the best in others--I found that to be true in the convenience store parking lot that day.

Our Father's Love,
Tom