Meekness

Read Proverbs 25

God blesses those who are humble, for they will inherit the whole earth.

Matthew 5:5

Older translations of this beatitude have often used the word meek to name the character trait Jesus had in mind. In Matthew 11:29, Jesus used almost the identical term to describe himself: “Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”

If meekness is an unfamiliar term to us, perhaps humble and gentle are a little too familiar. They don’t capture the underlying fierceness that seems to hide within meekness. A meek person is not a weak person. A meek person is a person of immense character and, often, physical strength. What makes a person meek is the fact that, although he or she could exert power or overwhelming ability at any time, he or she actively chooses not to do so.

In order to meditate on meekness, picture the largest, strongest man that you know carrying his little daughter in his arms. Spiritual meekness depends on God’s strength and power, choosing not to rely on obvious personal strength.

A WORD FOR TODAY

Meekness is the opposite of weakness.

Lord, to the degree that I can turn away from self-reliance and independence, grow me into a meek person. Teach me about being humble and gentle.