Many of us are defensive creatures. When we are faced with opposition, we strife to defend ourselves. We seek to overcome opposition with arguments, shouts and at times fists. Paul, who put people away via imprisonment and death by stoning, later wrote these stunning sentences to his faithful younger labourer Timothy. 2 Timothy 2:24-26 KJV And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will. It seemed that Paul was a changed man. He learnt that striving does not increase the chance of saving others from the devil's grip. He learnt that gentleness, patience and meekness do. Our response matters. May we be mindful of that each time we face challenges and opposition we will be conscience to respond in gentleness, patience and meekness. May these become part of us as we exercise them.