What good things should you cling to?

Clinging to What Is Good: A Comprehensive Topical Overview

1. Understanding the Call to “Cling to What Is Good”

Scripture contains explicit directives to cling firmly to that which is honorable, pure, and pleasing in the sight of God. Romans 12:9 states: “Love must be sincere. Detest what is evil; cling to what is good.” This concept permeates both the Old and the New Testaments as a guiding principle for moral and spiritual conduct. The command implies not only a passive acceptance of virtuous ideals but an ongoing, resolute commitment to embracing, practicing, and cherishing goodness in daily life.

Throughout the biblical narrative, individuals who persevered in doing good were blessed (e.g., Ruth’s unwavering loyalty in Ruth 1, David’s respect for God’s anointed in 1 Samuel 24). By contrast, those who rejected what was good often wandered into destruction and despair (e.g., Cain in Genesis 4:7–12).

2. Clinging to the Word of God

A foundational principle for securing what is good is adhering to God’s Word. In Psalm 119:105, we read, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” By internalizing Scripture, individuals gain an enduring standard for distinguishing right from wrong.

• The Dead Sea Scrolls, discovered at Qumran in the mid-20th century, demonstrate the reliability and continuity of the Old Testament text over centuries, strengthening confidence in the Word’s preservation.

• Papyrus manuscripts such as P46 (dating to around the late second or early third century) confirm the remarkable preservation of New Testament letters, underscoring the consistency of the teachings that call believers to cling to godly virtues.

Embracing the Word leads to transformed behavior. As James 1:22 teaches, “Be doers of the word, and not hearers only.” Rather than letting culture define morality moment by moment, Scripture stands as the unchanging guide that reveals the nature of true goodness.

3. Clinging to Godly Character and Virtue

“Test all things. Hold fast to what is good. Abstain from every form of evil” (1 Thessalonians 5:21–22). This exhortation includes the development of godly character:

• Love: Genuine love (Greek “agape”) seeks the best for others and reflects the self-sacrificing nature demonstrated within Scripture (1 Corinthians 13:4–8).

• Compassion: The Gospels reveal the compassion of Christ, such as in Mark 1:40–41, where He healed a leper moved by heartfelt pity. We similarly cling to compassion as a positive force that mirrors divine mercy.

• Integrity and Honesty: Both the Law and Prophets condemn deceit (Proverbs 12:22), emphasizing truthfulness as a foundation for just and righteous conduct.

Such virtues deserve a firm hold because they reflect God’s moral character. Archaeological and historical findings—for example, records of early Christian communities’ reputation for caring for the sick and marginalized—testify to the power of these virtues in real-world contexts.

4. Clinging to Faith in God

Hebrews 11 underscores that faith has always been the means by which people have drawn near to God. This chapter, often called “the Faith Hall of Fame,” recounts individuals such as Noah, Abraham, and Moses, who clung to God’s promises even when circumstances seemed insurmountable.

• Faith in God’s creative power resonates with observations in nature: the intricate design seen in DNA, the irreducible complexities in certain biological systems, and geological data that can be interpreted within a young-earth framework all bear witness to a wise Designer.

• Faith in the resurrection of Christ undergirds hope and confirms the ultimate good news of redemption. Early historical sources—such as Tacitus, Josephus, and numerous first-century Christian writings—testify to the reality of Jesus’ death under Pontius Pilate and to the firm conviction of His earliest followers that He rose again.

This faith provides confidence that one can cling to good, even when it is countercultural or met with resistance.

5. Clinging to Hope and Perseverance

It is often challenging to pursue goodness in a fractured world where injustice and suffering abound. Yet the message of Scripture offers a living hope that anchors the soul (Hebrews 6:19).

• Believers gain assurance that God’s promises will come to fruition, for He has proven faithful throughout biblical and post-biblical history. Ancient markers such as the Tel Dan Stela and inscriptions referencing biblical figures corroborate that many events recorded in Scripture are grounded in real occurrences, reflecting how God worked through space and time.

• Clinging to hope fosters perseverance. Even when circumstances appear dire, examples like Joseph, Esther, and Paul show that steadfast faith brings about redemptive outcomes.

6. Clinging to Love, Unity, and Community

Scripture repeatedly points out the supreme value of love. Ephesians 4:2–3 instructs, “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.”

• Love, in practice, takes shape as mutual edification, forgiving offenses, meeting one another’s needs, and sharing each other’s burdens.

• Historical evidence reveals that the early church grew despite persecution largely because of its remarkable unity and selfless love—traits held in stark contrast to the harshness of the surrounding pagan culture. This unity became a key apologetic for the reality of God’s transformative power.

7. Clinging to the Lord’s Presence in Prayer and Worship

The Psalms, which formed the bedrock of devotion for ancient Israel, teach that lingering in God’s presence is an indispensable means of nurturing goodness. Psalm 16:11 affirms, “You have made known to me the path of life; You will fill me with joy in Your presence, with eternal pleasures at Your right hand.”

• Through prayer and worship, individuals unite their hearts with God’s, receiving His wisdom and discerning how to apply the principles of righteousness in daily life.

• Corporate worship across centuries and continents fosters a shared witness of joy and reverence—further enhancing the believer’s desire to cling to what is good in community.

8. Clinging to the Eternal Perspective in All Things

Philippians 4:8 offers a timeless principle for directing the mind toward goodness: “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think on these things.”

• Living with an eternal perspective places temporal struggles and conflicts within the broader contour of God’s redemptive plan.

• Knowing the brevity of life and the certainty of resurrection motivates a focus on things that truly matter: moral excellence, faith, hope, and service to others.

9. Practical Steps for Clinging to Goodness

• Regular Study of Scripture: Make time daily to read the Bible, memorizing key passages such as Romans 12:9–21 and 1 Thessalonians 5:16–22.

• Active Fellowship: Surround yourself with those who also desire to uphold godly values. Hebrews 10:24–25 encourages believers not to “give up meeting together” but to spur one another on toward love and good deeds.

• Consistent Prayer Life: Maintain communication with God for guidance and strength.

• Reflection and Application: Examine personal behavior in light of biblical truth, adjusting actions to align with the teachings of Christ.

• Witness and Service: Serve in ways that tangibly express God’s goodness. This could range from community outreach to simply helping neighbors in practical ways.

10. Conclusion

“What good things should you cling to?” The testimony of Scripture points unambiguously to clinging to all that reflects God’s holy and loving character: His Word, faith, hope, love, unity in the Spirit, steadfast prayer, and fervent worship. These pursuits offer personal spiritual growth and a compelling witness to the transforming power of God.

Amid life’s challenges and moral uncertainties, the biblical encouragement remains constant: we are not left to our own devices. Strength to hold fast to goodness flows from the God who created the cosmos, confirmed His love through Christ’s resurrection, and empowers hearts through His Spirit. Whether in daily acts of compassion, forging unity in relationships, or defending truth in public forums, the call to cling to what is good stands as a timeless, vital directive supported by evidence from ancient manuscripts, archaeological finds, and the unbroken thread of divine faithfulness documented across the pages of Scripture.