“Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.”
The fifth building block for a good relationship is a disposition of agreeableness.
“whatever things are lovely”
The word “lovely” comes from two Greek words: “towards” and “affection.” “Lovely” is anything that inclines affection towards others. This quality endears and attracts others to us by its grace.
Loveliness speaks of what promotes accord rather than conflict. Negatively, this person is free from hatred, bitterness, jealousy, envy. Positively, this person is amiable and agreeable.
Do you seek concord with others? Some minds are so set on vengeance that they bring out bitterness and anger in others. Syntyche was so fixed on criticizing and rebuking Euodia that she destroyed her opportunity to win Euodia. The target of her attack resented her. Syntyche was not winsome or attractive in her approach. That is no way to correct conflict; it only alienates and distances people from each other.
Principle:
It is important to work on our attractiveness to others.
Application:
We are not very attractive when we approach people with the soul kinks of bitterness. We win others with a disposition of agreeableness.
How amiable are you? Are you a disagreeable person? Are you hard to get along with? Do you drive a hard bargain?
