Some people think that intimidating and shoving others out of their way during their course through life in order to assert their rights is the best way to get along in this world. But actually, the very opposite is true. Jesus said “Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth…” (Matthew 5:5). In all of meekness in the Bible, there was only one thing He said personally about Himself: “…I am meek and lowly in heart” (Matthew 11:29). His disciples saw Him give Himself up meekly to the world’s power, but they never saw Him do anything to declare His rights, because He “made Himself of no reputation” (Philippians 2:7).
The meek submit their own will to the word of God, as is the case for any meekness in the Bible, but the proud and wicked will not do this. The proud are filled with hate, which makes the Bible all the more valuable to the meek.
Jesus Shows Divine Strength When Needed
Yet, when the honor of His heavenly Father was defiled, it was a different story in regards to meekness in the Bible. At one point, He “…went into the temple of God, and cast out all them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves…” (Matthew 21:12). This is no meek, mild and gentle Jesus that we see here.
Yet He was always meek toward God His Father. And God expects us to be meek toward His commands and promises to us also. He wants us to submit ourselves quietly to Him and His word. And we are also expected to be subject to His chastening. The way He directs us to submit to His intentions is the way we should follow, while we continue to remain “gentle towards all men” (Titus 3:2)
Understanding Meekness in the Bible
Those who are meek are broken and full of remorse in spirit. This is the very opposite of those who are proud. The meek submit their own will to the word of God, as is the case for any meekness in the Bible, but the proud and wicked will not do this. The proud are filled with hate, which makes the Bible all the more valuable to the meek. “The meek will He guide in judgment; the meek will He teach His way” (Psalm 25:9)
The Perfect Example of Christ’s Meekness in the Bible
Jesus was the primary example of meekness in the Bible. He had too great a heart to let petty insults disturb Him, and He pitied those who made them. Jesus was able to subject Himself to pain and suffering because He knew that His Father would defend and protect Him. “…avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord” (Romans 12:19). There is no point for us to try to do this in His place.
Only the meek have a humble heart that doesn’t want to struggle and fight with God. Being meek also brings peace to a situation, and proves how great a soul truly is. And the meek are never self-righteous because their righteousness comes only from God.
Applying Meekness to Human Relationships
But it is not enough to be meek toward God only—we must also be so toward men. Anyone who acknowledges the authority of Christ over his life should also demonstrate the same meek and lowly spirit that was in Him during His time of being made humble here on earth.
The meek are very much aware that everything spiritually or naturally good that they have ever received came from the generosity of their heavenly Father. They do not deserve any special privileges from Him and they know it.
Key Characteristics of Meek People
A quiet and gentle spirit is the primary characteristic of meekness. Those who are meek don’t act like they are superior to others. They are always ready to join with the lowest of the others who also fear God. The meek are very much aware that everything spiritually or naturally good that they have ever received came from the generosity of their heavenly Father. They do not deserve any special privileges from Him and they know it. They keep their temper under control, and are therefore able to remain mild and forgiving. They also keep their emotions and feelings stable.
The Rewards of Living in Meekness
The meek have taken part in the Spirit of Christ, and are the ones who live life to the utmost. “…surely in what place my Lord the King shall be, whether in death or life, even there also will thy servant be” (2 Samuel 15:21). They will be received into Christ’s kingdom to inherit and share His blessings, along with the glories of the heavenly kingdom forever. And He will be sure to reply: “Abide with Me, fear not; for he that seeketh My life seeketh thy life, but with Me thou shalt be in safeguard” (1 Samuel 22:23).
Let’s not adorn ourselves with outward possessions or characteristics, “but let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price” (1 Peter 3:4).
The Promise to the Meek
Therefore, let us remember that “For yet a little while, and the wicked shall not be: yea, thou shalt diligently consider his place, and it shall not be. But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace” (Psalm 37:10-11 emphasis added). Let’s not adorn ourselves with outward possessions or characteristics, “but let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price” (1 Peter 3:4). This is the attitude and conduct that will please our Lord.
[Additional image credits: Featured image (when applicable) by Patrick Pierre on Unsplash; Opening image by Wilfried Pohnke from Pixabay]
