“Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.” Matthew 5:5
Have you ever equated someone who is meek as being a pushover or maybe even week? For a period of time when I was growing up, I erroneously thought of meekness as someone who was frail (not just physically) and didn’t possess the strength to fight for themselves. However, we learn in the Beatitudes that weakness is far from what Christ is equating with blessedness!
In fact, meekness is one among only 8 virtues mentioned in this well-known passage. What did Christ mean by exhorting us to meekness? Meek comes from the Greek word praos, meaning mild, gentle, kind and Christ uses this same word to describe himself later in Matthew 11:29 “Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle (praos) and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”
Meek also is used to describe a humility found in submission to God’s will. There is no better example of this than Christ laying down His life. He did not put up a fight but humbly submitted to the will of the Father.
“Meekness is calm confidence, settled assurance, and rest of the soul. It is the tranquil stillness of a soul that is at rest in Christ. It is the place of peace. Meekness springs from a heart of humility, radiating the fragrance of Christ.” Matthew Henry
Call to Action
Here are 2 areas that will direct us to meekness:
- HAVE A HEART OF HUMILITY – As Matthew Henry, a Welsh minister during the late 1600s, said “Meekness springs from a heart of humility.” Are we recognizing our shortcomings, giving thanks for the daily grace bestowed on us, and realizing we cannot depend solely on ourselves but are in need of daily bread from Our Father?
- RESTING IN CHRIST – When we fully submit ourselves to God, and rest in His Son, we find peace from the daily struggles of fighting for control. Regardless of the circumstances, good or bad, meekness is found when we glorify God and put His desires ahead of our own.
Tracy LaBreche
