Meek is not a word most of us use regularly. Perhaps that’s because of how it’s often misunderstood. The American way of thought seems to label meek as weak, but nothing could be further from the truth.
Jesus displayed meekness better than anyone, showing us that real meekness is both tender and tough. Think about it: the same man who repeatedly showed us how to “love our neighbor” also told us in John 15:18: “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first.”
To truly follow Jesus, we have to exhibit both qualities. We have to employ the tender side of Jesus that welcomed all people into His family, and we have to employ the tough side that stood through trial with strength.
Jesus famously spoke of meekness in His Sermon on the Mount when He listed off nine spiritual qualities He wanted to characterize Christians.
In Matthew 5:5, He said, “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.” Let’s talk about how.
First, meekness challenges our personhood. Psalm 25:9 (ASV) says, “The meek will he guide in justice; And the meek will he teach his way.”
The Greek word for meek here is praus, which means to be mild and humble. God can challenge meek people in a way He can’t challenge others, because they have a pliable heart. They want to do His will, living for the common good of those around them, not just for themselves. When we live with meekness, people and circumstances out of our control come under God’s control.
Meekness also allows God to coach our potential. It causes us to receive fully from Him so He can reward us. Then, meekness connects us to God’s purpose. It helps us win unbelievers to Christ, aid believers who have lost their way, and walk alongside anyone stuck in sin, helping them find redemption and restoration.
We find this truth in verses like 1 Peter 3:15 (GNV) and Galatians 6:1 (NIV). We also find it in 1 Timothy 2:25 (TLB) which says, “Be humble when you are trying to teach those who are mixed up concerning the truth. For if you talk meekly and courteously to them, they are more likely, with God’s help, to turn away from their wrong ideas and believe what is true.” Meekness causes others to receive from and respond to God’s leadership better.
The last way meekness aids us in bringing God’s will to pass is by helping us conquer for Him. Psalm 147:6 tells us that “Jehovah upholds the meek.” That means in every battle, He fights for us as we persevere and stay committed to His purposes. Meekness allows God to turn our frustrations into fulfillment.
In every season and circumstance, meekness will always be the greatest choice, bringing us into the blessing our hearts crave. As we embrace Jesus’ tender and tough way, we’ll experience God’s best in our lives and in our world!
