MEEKNESS

With all lowliness and MEEKNESS, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love – Ephesians 4:2

MEEKNESS is one Christian Virtue and quality of character that seems to be least understood or appreciated in today’s highly aggressive society, and even among supposed followers of the Meek and Gentle Messiah Jesus. He himself testified: “Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart…” (Mt.11:29a). It appears that many believers, especially in the guise of “spiritual warfare” have dispensed of the spirit of meekness and gentleness and imbibed the spirit of aggression. True, “the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and the violent take it by force” (Mt.11:12). But, this does not imply jettisoning meekness, while embracing bitterness, animosity, malice, and revenge against fellow human beings. It is written: “Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord” (Rom.12:19). We must give due attention and meditation to truths concerning Meekness.

Who is the meek? Why meekness? The meek are unassuming, unpretentious, and devoid of arrogance. They have that attitude of mind which does not insist on its own rights and is always ready to waive its privileges in the interests of others. Meekness is always willing to forgo its own plans in place of God’s. Contrary to what some might think, the meek are not ‘weak’; for to control a natural tendency towards aggressiveness or assertiveness, requires much strength of character. The meek are not ‘laid back’ or stupidly submissive. They can in fact act vigorously against what is wrong or unfair. In Christ Jesus, we see true meekness displayed. In the account recorded in Luke 9:51-56, Jesus put His annoyance and the disciples’ tendency towards violence in check, against the Samaritan villagers who turned Him away. But when He saw the temple being misused, He protested strongly in “righteous anger” (Jh.2:14-17). The perfect balance of meekness and zeal!

We see in the lady Abigail, a model of meekness (1Sam.25). Her family was headed for disaster. David and his soldiers had been insulted by her husband. Faced with a dilemma, Abigail took the initiative to douse the tension. With grace and courage, she appealed to David’s sense of mercy. By meekness she calmed his anger, and saved her household. She stooped to conquer. She preserved by meekness what foolishness could have destroyed. God does not expect us to overlook all wrongs done to us; neither does He want us to react to others with anger and insults. Meekness is the “gentleness of strength in reserve”! Moses, was “very meek, above all the men which were upon the face of the earth” (Num.12:3b). But, he certainly wasn’t weak or timid. Meekness fights with strength, vigour and zeal, especially when the Glory of God or the interests of His Kingdom are at stake. Yet, meekness enables you to make a point without making an enemy!

God’s Spirit is a gentle and meek spirit. Meekness is gentleness due to humility. Paul pleaded with the Corinthians “by the meekness and gentleness of Christ” (2Cor.10:1a). He exhorted the Galatians to restore the fallen “in the spirit of meekness” knowing that it could have been anyone (Gal.6:1). He wrote to Timothy: “In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth” (2Tim.2:25). He also wrote to Titus: “to speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, showing all meekness to all men” (Tit.3:2kjv). James enjoined: “receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls” (Jam.1:21b). The meek are patient and forbearing: “With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love” (Eph.4:2). Above all, the Lord Jesus attests to the blessing in meekness: “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth” (Mt.5:5).