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Topical Encyclopedia

Definition and Importance
Being positive refers to maintaining an optimistic and hopeful attitude, focusing on the good in situations, and trusting in God's plan. In the Christian context, being positive is not merely about having a cheerful disposition but is deeply rooted in faith and trust in God's sovereignty and goodness. It involves a conscious choice to focus on God's promises and His faithfulness, regardless of circumstances.

Biblical Basis
The Bible encourages believers to adopt a positive outlook through various teachings and examples.Philippians 4:8 instructs, "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." This verse highlights the importance of focusing on positive and virtuous thoughts.

Faith and Trust in God
A positive attitude is often linked to faith and trust in God.Proverbs 3:5-6 advises, "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight." Trusting in God's wisdom and guidance fosters a positive outlook, as believers rely on His understanding rather than their own.

Joy and Rejoicing
The Bible frequently associates positivity with joy and rejoicing.Philippians 4:4 states, "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!" This command to rejoice is not contingent on circumstances but is a call to find joy in the Lord, which naturally leads to a positive perspective.

Overcoming Negativity
Scripture provides guidance on overcoming negativity and embracing a positive mindset.Romans 12:2 encourages transformation through the renewal of the mind: "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God." Renewing the mind involves replacing negative thoughts with God's truth and promises.

Examples of Positivity in Scripture
Several biblical figures exemplify positivity through their faith and actions. Joseph, despite being sold into slavery and imprisoned, maintained a positive attitude, trusting in God's plan for his life (Genesis 50:20). Similarly, Paul and Silas, while imprisoned, sang hymns and prayed, demonstrating their unwavering faith and positive spirit (Acts 16:25).

Encouragement and Edification
The Bible emphasizes the role of encouragement and edification in fostering positivity among believers.Hebrews 10:24-25 urges, "And let us consider how to spur one another on to love and good deeds. Let us not neglect meeting together, as some have made a habit, but let us encourage one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching." Encouraging one another helps build a community of positivity and support.

Hope and Future Assurance
A positive outlook is closely tied to the hope and assurance of a future with God.Jeremiah 29:11 declares, "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." This promise provides a foundation for positivity, as believers trust in God's good plans for their lives.

Conclusion
While the Bible does not explicitly use the term "being positive," its teachings and examples clearly advocate for a mindset rooted in faith, trust, and hope in God. By focusing on God's promises, renewing the mind, and encouraging one another, believers can cultivate a positive outlook that reflects their faith in God's sovereignty and goodness.

Topical Bible Verses

Galatians 4:15
Where is then the blessedness you spoke of? for I bear you record, that, if it had been possible, you would have plucked out your own eyes, and have given them to me.
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Greek

422. anepaischuntos -- not to be put to shame
... the prefix, ). 422 ("not disgraced"), used only in 2 Tim 2:15, refers to
the (positive) result ofbeing a of Scripture. [422 () is...

2158. euschemon -- comely
... 2158 ("comely") focuses on the outward of godliness, ie asbeing (encouraging)
to others which attracts attention in apositive way....

3986. peirasmos -- an experiment, a trial, temptation
...being tried, (b) temptation, (c) calamity, affliction. Cognate: 3986 (from 3985 ) --
or -- both senses can apply (depending on the context). Thepositive sense...

2475. Israelites -- an Israelite
... apositive (covenant) overtone, implying someone is a true covenant-believer. In
contrast, 1445 ("Jew") in the NT has a negative implication ofbeing hostile...

Library

John ix. 29
... we cannot see into their hearts, this is, in fact, denying the Holy Spirit's most
infallible sign"the fruits of righteousness; andbeing positive rather of...

Sin not a Mere Negation.
... We reconcile sin's privativebeing with itspositive working as follows: depriving
the ceaseless activity of man's nature of correct guidance, it runs in the...

Chapter i
... no contradiction between affirming and denying that It has them inasmuch as It precedes
and surpasses all deprivation,being beyond allpositive and negative...

Perishing orBeing Saved
... with the rich fulness ofpositive endowments, of happiness, and of holiness which
make an integral part of the salvation of God. This, then,being the one side...

Though These Eternal Moral Obligations are Indeed of Themselves...
... even antecedent to the consideration of theirbeing thepositive will and command
of God, yet that which most strongly confirms, and in practice most...

Sin a Power in Reversed Action.
... when detached from its pivot does not stop it immediately; but,being uncontrolled,
it... restored to his original state, it could not lead to apositive evil....

Holy Raiment of One's Own Weaving.
... that death is a dying to all sin, as well as thepositive declaration of... This applies
to the infant whobeing regenerated in the cradle is carried thence to...

If, for These and Other Such Rules, You Insist Upon Having...
... But even in civil matters custom is accepted as law, whenpositive legal enactment
is... God shall reveal it unto you;" [395] he himself, too,being accustomed to...

Positive Element. --Teleological Aim of Miracles.
... of the government of God, considered as an Omniscient and Omnipotent personalBeing....
Thepositive element, which must be added to the negative one, already...

Disputed Questions About the Limits of Knowledge and Certainty in...
... [38] It was necessary to overcome the despair ofbeing unable to... is deemed a sin,
and this can be warded off only by a systematic suspension ofpositive assent...