Blessed Are The Meek

BLESSED ARE THE MEEK

a prayer to open

Give me eyes to see, Lord—

to see your Kingdom, your heart, your love. Give me eyes to see.

We don’t use the word meek in our culture much; in fact, it holds a negative connotation. We associate meek with weak. But the meek are not the weak; they are those who have suffered but, instead of seeking revenge, seek God’s glory and the blessing of their enemies. There is no better image of the meek than Jesus at his death. After soldiers nailed his hands and feet to the cross, Jesus did not seek revenge. He did not seek justice for himself. He did not cry out curses over his fellow Jews, the soldiers, or the governing authorities. Rather, Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34, NIV). When we are wronged or caused to suffer, we so often want revenge or to curse the wrongdoer. Yet blessed are the meek. The harder path—the path of Jesus—is to bless and seek the good of those who have hurt us. The meek will inherit the earth.

• Reflect on a time you were wronged and responded by punishing your wrongdoer either with words or actions. What comes to mind? How do you wish you had responded?
• What are the practices or routines that keep your soul at peace and generate a gentle, forgiving spirit in you? In contrast, when do you tend to find yourself less willing to forgive or extend the benefit of the doubt?
• Consider whether there is someone in your life you are punishing, whether by withholding your love or forgiveness, because of something they did to you. What would God need to change in you for you to bless that person instead?

Father, forgive my selfishness, my self-focused soul. Small offenses trigger in me not a desire to forgive and reconcile but a desire to punish by withdrawing or to harm by lashing out. I seek my own welfare, my own righteousness. I turn inward. But something deep in me wants to be free—free to love and free to forgive. Help me embrace the freedom you have given and modeled. When I am hurt or feel betrayed, let me seek your glory instead of idolizing my pain. Guide me today to love and desire what is best for those who have caused me pain, big or small. Amen.