Meekness

Today’s topic is meekness.  I’m not considering the world’s definition of the word, but rather the Biblical definition of the word. 

Unless otherwise noted, the New King James Version of the Bible is quoted in all of my articles.

• What will ye? shall I come unto you with a rod, or in love, and in the spirit of meekness?  (1 Cor 4:21 KJV) 
• Now I, Paul, myself am pleading with you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ—who in presence am lowly among you, but being absent am bold toward you.  (2 Cor 10:1)
• Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering . . . (Col 3:12)
• Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom.  (Jam 3:13)
• But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear . . . (1 Pet 3:15)

As you can see, the topic of meekness is mentioned frequently in the Bible.  (If you check out the King James Version of the Bible, you will find many more verses than what I’ve shown here.)  Jesus said of Himself that He was meek.  (Mat 11:29 KJV)  Jesus mentions meekness in the Beatitudes.  (Mat 5:5)  Meekness is mentioned as an adornment of a Christian profession of faith in Jesus.  (1 Pet 3:4 KJV)

The overall, Biblical definition of meekness is:

• A calm temper of mind; not easily provoked (Jam 3:13)
• This gift, which is woven into the soul, and the exercises of it are first and chiefly towards God.
• That temper of spirit in which we accept His dealings with us as good, and therefore without disputing or resisting; it is closely linked with the word humility, and follows directly upon it. (Eph 4:2 KJV; Col 3:12)
• Equanimity of spirit that is neither elated nor cast down, simply because it is not occupied with self at all.

The meekness manifested by the Lord Jesus and recommended to the believer is the fruit of power.  It’s commonly thought that when a person is meek, it’s because they can’t help themselves.  But Jesus was ‘meek’ because He had the infinite resources of God at His command. He had angels awaiting His every Word.  He was powerful and meek—at the same time.  This was because He was truly and lovingly committed to fulfilling His Father’s will.  As we follow His example, we walk in His power.   Praise the Lord!