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.

Philippians 4:8

The brotherhood of believers, both Jews and Gentiles, in the Greek city of Philippi, received this precious letter from the Apostle Paul.  On Paul’s Second Missionary journey this fellowship grasped the love of God and the church there flourished.  It was the only church that prospered in Greece after Paul’s journey.

That church was multi-ethnic.  The believers, no matter their background, loved Jesus dearly and wanted to follow Him.  That such a loving multicultural church in that great city is in itself a miracle.

Think of it, the four “missionaries,” Paul, Luke, Timothy and Silas were sharing their love of Jesus on this trip.  That love bound them together.  Paul had a strict Jewish background, Luke was a Gentile, Timothy was a Jew but a “liberal one.”  Silas was a Jew, now believing in Jesus.  Their differences were not a hinderance but a story that blessed all people.  They were a team!

They obviously stressed the virtues of Jesus, not their own cultures. That is – truth, what is right, what is pure, whatever is lovely and admirable.  All could agree on that cluster of virtues.  They embraced what they all believed.

Now, how about me, and you?  We do well to think about such things.  I am amazed and challenged.