Laurie Hopkins

We see things through a lens or a filter. That filter is coloured by those things we spend our time thinking about. 
If we are always focusing on the negative, then our lens will colour everything we see in a negative way. 
If we are always focusing on the positive, then our lens will colour everything we see in a positive way. 
It works the same with heavenly things. 
If our thoughts are heaven directed, then the lens/filter through which we see things will be impacted by that. 
It is easy enough in today’s world to get focused on the chaos, the hurt, the brokenness that is happening all around us. 
And although it is important that we are aware of all these things and working to effect change in the world around us; our thoughts must be first heavenward.
Otherwise a lens/filter of fear and distrust and cynicism may overtake us. 
When our thoughts are first directed heavenward, we are able to see through a lens of grace and mercy and love; where fear and distrust and cynicism have no place.
 Set your eyes and therefore your mind upward today!

Gentleness – epieikēs – also translated “moderation, equitable, fair, mild, and gentle”

Let you interactions with all those around you be moderate, not taken to extremes; equitable in the sense of treating others the same, regardless of who they are or the circumstances; fair, mild and gentle, that others would be drawn onto you, not pushed away.

The very gentleness of Jesus that lives within us should shine forth from us.
So much so that others ask us what it is about us that draws them? 
So we can answer with the Name above all Names:  Jesus!