The poem consists of six quatrains (four-line stanzas), one for each of the six virtues from Philippians 4:8—true, noble, just, pure, lovely, and of good report—followed by a single couplet (two-line stanza) as a conclusion. This poem, inspired by Philippians 4:8, explores six virtues—truth, nobility, justice, purity, loveliness, and good report—each embodied by a distinct flower and its fragrance. Truth blooms as white lilies, exuding a soft, clear scent that reveals God’s verity. Nobility rises as royal irises, their grand incense-like aroma lifting honor above the mundane. Justice flowers as hydrangeas, their cool, tranquil fragrance symbolizing calm fairness. Purity reigns as lilacs, their sweet, royal nectar banishing impurity with chaste splendor. Loveliness unfolds as roses, their deep, velvety perfume enchanting the heart with love’s charm. Good report twines as honeysuckle, its honeyed waft spreading joy and praise. Together, these floral virtues form Christ’s garden within the believer, urging reflection on these divine qualities as worldly shadows fade.
True – The White Lily
When truth unfolds like lilies pure and white,
Their fragrance soft, a whisper clean and clear,
No shadow dims their steadfast, honest light,
Think on these blooms—God’s verity draws near.
Noble – The Royal Iris
The iris stands, a noble purple reign,
Its scent ascends, like incense rich and grand,
With regal grace it scorns the base and vain,
Think on this flower—honor lifts its hand.
Just – The Hydrangea
Hydrangeas bloom, a just and tranquil sea,
Their gentle breath, a cool and even balm,
In clustered peace they weigh what’s right to be,
Think on their grace—justice stands firm and calm.
Pure – The Lilac
Lilacs arise, pure royalty in bloom,
Their fragrance sweet, a royal nectar flows,
In purple robes they banish sin’s perfume,
Think on their reign—chaste splendor brightly glows.
Lovely – The Rose
The rose unfurls, a lovely crimson sigh,
Its perfume deep, a velvet sweet embrace,
Each thorn a guard, yet petals lift to sky,
Think on this queen—love’s charm perfumes the space.
Of Good Report – The Honeysuckle
Honeysuckle twines, good news to impart,
Its honeyed waft sings joy through summer’s breeze,
A scent of cheer to gladden every heart,
Think on its bloom—praise flows with fragrant ease.
Conclusion
From lilies soft to honeysweet’s decree,
Christ’s garden blooms within thee—think on these.
Passionately Pursuing Christ 