“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” (Philippians 4:8/KJV).

Think about these things! In 1 Corinthians 13:5 we have learned that love “thinketh no evil.”

You cannot stop thinking. You may try to suppress negative thoughts and feelings. Yet you may succeed in doing so only to a certain extent.

Here is a very practical suggestion of the apostle Paul: Focus on something else! A Christian can have higher goals in life than merely and continually meditate on negative experiences. Paul recommends us to pursue Christian values.

Truthfulness, faithfulness, honesty, justice, equity, purity and beauty are some of the values a Christian might think about and pursue. Anything somebody has done that is praiseworthy might become a subject for a church youth group or a children’s class.

We had better not focus unduly on wrongs others have done to us. The faults and failures of others ought not to be our main interest.

Love “thinketh no evil”. (1 Corinthians 13:5d/KJV). What should a Christian think about? Consider how to be a good Christian, how to be the light of the world.

We will find a similar idea also n 1 Corinthians 13:6. Paul writing about love: “Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth.” (KJV).

In 1 Corinthians 13, Paul is pointing us to a higher way. Blessed church life can be more than merely the display of great gifts. Inner values we adhere to make the real difference.