Key Scripture: Matthew 5:5 “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.”
Meekness is a beautiful virtue that Christ desires to develop in each one of His children. “Meekness” is described as a humble attitude that conveys the character of patient endurance in the midst of insults. Another biblical translation is “gentleness.” Both of these words imply an attitude of self-restraint. Webster’s dictionary defines meekness as “enduring injury with patience and without resentment.” A meek person is self-less and remains so in the midst of wrongful accusations does not exercise malice or a condescending spirit.
From the original language meekness is used to describe a horse being controlled by a bit and bridle or better yet “power under constraint.” The world leads us to believe that meekness is weakness. However, Jesus calls those who are meek blessed. Proverbs 16:32 and Proverbs 25:28 give examples of meekness/gentleness and warn us if there is no self-control or restraint, we become vulnerable.
Jesus explained how Moses exemplified meekness in (Matthew 11:29). In Numbers 12:1-4, God gives us an example, “the man Moses was very meek, more than all men that were on the face of the earth.” Moses committed his hardship to the Lord and did not pursue a defense for himself but entrusted the outcome to God. He waited patiently while resisting anger and did not fret over the judgmental words that were spoken. He is not quick to be defensive but trusts God to defend his character. John Piper states, “Meekness is the power to absorb adversity and criticism without lashing back.”
For further study on this topic of meekness visit: www.desiringgod.org/messages/blessed-are-the-meek
Questions to Consider:
In what areas of your life are you lacking restraint and need to practice meekness? How can you apply the lesson of having a humble attitude of meekness at your work, in your relationships, or as you serve at church?
Prayer Prompts: Meditate and pray through Psalms 37:5-11.
Father, I admit that in my flesh I do not have the ability to handle the pressures and insults of this life but as I trust in Your capable hands You will sustain me with strength and guide me all the challenges I face. Father, help me to apply James 1:19-21 to my life where I am to be “quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to wrath.”