Appreciate These Things

Eight Ways of Cultivating Compassion

Jill J. Duffield

• Publisher: Westminster John Knox Press
• Year: 2025
• eBook ISBN: 9781646984213
• Topic: Theology & Religion
• Subtopic: Religion

In a world tense with anger and division, how can we preserve our sense of well-being and inject a little more kindness into our daily interactions?

Pastor Jill J. Duffield finds an answer in the apostle Paul's guidance in Philippians 4:8: "Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things."

Thinking about, looking for, appreciating these eight things can reorient our hearts and minds in ways that nurture compassion for ourselves, those in need, and those with whom we are inclined to disagree. Duffield leads the way with stories and insights that will transform your outlook on the world—and maybe even the world itself.

With eight chapters of six reflections each, Appreciate These Things can serve as a daily devotional, an eight-week group study, or an accessible, inspirational individual read.

Table of contents

• Cover
• Endorsements
• Half Title
• Other Titles by Jill Duffield
• Title Page
• Copyright
• Contents
• Author Note
• Introduction: “Appreciate It!”
• 1. Appreciate Whatever Is True
• 2. Appreciate Whatever Is Honorable
• 3. Appreciate Whatever Is Just
• 4. Appreciate Whatever Is Pure
• 5. Appreciate Whatever Is Pleasing
• 6. Appreciate Whatever Is Commendable
• 7. Appreciate Whatever Is Excellent
• 8. Appreciate Whatever Is Praiseworthy
• Conclusion: If There Is Any . . .
• Notes
• Excerpt from Elusive Grace: Loving Your Enemies While Striving for God’s Justice, by Scott Black Johnston