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Day 1: Read Ephesians 1:3 and Matthew 5:3-5

  1. Begin by reading Ephesians 1:3, meditating on the idea that God has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in Christ.
  2. Then, move on to Matthew 5:3-5, which contains the beatitude, "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth."
  3. Reflect on the idea that Jesus taught that true happiness comes from being blessed by God, and that the meek are specifically blessed and will inherit the earth.
  4. Take time each day this week to reflect on the reading and ask God to help you grow in meekness and gentleness.

Day 2: Read 1 Peter 2:23 and Philippians 2:3-4

  1. On the second day, read 1 Peter 2:23, which talks about how Jesus did not revile or threaten when he was mistreated, but instead committed himself to God, the righteous judge.
  2. Then, turn to Philippians 2:3-4 and consider the command to do nothing out of selfish ambition, but to consider others more significant than ourselves and to look out for their interests.
  3. Contemplate how Jesus' example of meekness and gentleness, even in the face of mistreatment, challenges us to love our enemies, bless those who curse us, do good to those who hate us, and pray for those who spitefully use us and persecute us.
  4. Identify areas of your life where you struggle with insecurity or a lack of meekness, and ask the Holy Spirit to help you overcome those insecurities and rely on God's judgment rather than your own.

Day 3: Read Philippians 1:9 and 1 Peter 3:15

  1. On the final day, read Philippians 1:9 and reflect on the desire for our love to abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight.
  2. Then, read 1 Peter 3:15, which encourages us to always be prepared to give an answer to anyone who asks about the hope that we have, but to do so with gentleness and respect.
  3. Consider how being meek and gentle in our interactions with others can be a powerful witness to the love of Jesus Christ.
  4. Before reacting to mistreatment or criticism, pause and seek to understand the other person's perspective, showing empathy and kindness rather than responding with anger or defensiveness. Pray for the strength and grace to respond in a meek and gentle manner.