Jesus says, “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth” (Matthew 5:5). But what is meekness?
Meekness is humility expressed toward God and other people. When you recognize your spiritual need (Matthew 5:3) and mourn over the brokenness inside and around you (Matthew 5:4), you will be meek. And here’s what it will look like:
When people say bad things about you, you won’t be defensive or upset. Instead, you’ll trust God to set the record straight in His good time.
NUMBERS 12:1-9
Miriam and Aaron spoke against Moses because of the Cushite woman whom he had married, for he had married a Cushite woman. And they said, “Had the LORD indeed spoken only through Moses? Has he not spoken through us also?” And the LORD heard it. Now the man Moses was very meek, more than all people who were on the face of the earth. And suddenly the LORD said to Moses and to Aaron and Miriam, “Come out, you three, to the tent of meeting.” … And he said, “Hear my words: If there is a prophet among you, I the LORD make myself known to him in a vision; I speak with him in a dream. Not so with my servant Moses. He is faithful in all my house. With him I speak mouth to mouth, clearly, and not in riddles, and he beholds the form of the LORD. Why then were you not afraid to speak against my servant Moses?” And the anger of the LORD was kindled against them, and he departed.
When threatened, you won’t not feel like it’s all up to you to protect yourself. Instead, you’ll turn to God for rescue.
PSALM 22:19-24
But you, O LORD, do not be far off!
O you my help, come quickly to my aid!…
The afflicted (meek) shall eat and be satisfied;
those who seek him shall praise the LORD!
PSALM 25:1-9
To you, O LORD, I lift up my soul.
O my God, in you I trust;
let me not be put to shame;
let not my enemies exult over me…
He leads the humble (meek) in what is right,
and teaches the humble (meek) his way.
PSALM 76:1-9
In Judah God is known;
his name is great in Israel.
His abode has been established in Salem,
his dwelling place in Zion.
There he broke the flashing arrows,
the shield, the sword, and the weapons of war…
From the heavens you uttered judgment;
the earth feared and was still,
when God arose to establish judgment,
to save all the humble (meek) of the earth.
When evil seems to be winning all around, you won’t freak out. Instead, you’ll pray and wait patiently for God to make it right.
PSALM 37:10-11
In just a little while, the wicked will be no more;
though you look carefully at his place,
he will not be there.
But the meek shall inherit the land
and delight themselves in abundant peace.
When you deal with people who think they’re awesome, you won’t put them in their place. Instead, you’ll be patient and gentle toward them.
1 CORINTHIANS 4:19-21
But I will come to you soon, if the Lord wills, and I will find out not the talk of these arrogant people but their power. For the kingdom of God does not consist in talk but in power. What do you wish? Shall I come to you with a rod, or with love in a spirit of gentleness (meekness)?
When you see a fellow Christian sinning, you won’t gossip or publicly accuse him. Instead, you’ll try to restore him gently.
GALATIANS 6:1
Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness (meekness). Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted.
When someone annoys you, you won’t roll your eyes, make fun of them to your friends, or snap at them. Instead, you’ll bear with them patiently.
EPHESIANS 4:1-3
I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness (meekness), with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
COLOSSIANS 3:12-13
Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also much forgive.
When someone says something incorrect, you won’t call them an idiot. Instead, you’ll correct them gently.
2 TIMOTHY 2:24-26
And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, correcting his opponents with gentleness (meekness)…
When someone is in authority over you, you won’t complain, fight, or rebel unnecessarily. Instead, you’ll submit to their instructions courteously.
TITUS 3:1-2
Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle (meek), and to show perfect courtesy toward all people.
When you hear God’s word, you won’t ignore or resist it. Instead, you’ll receive and respond to it.
JAMES 1:21
Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.
When others are successful, you won’t be jealous. Instead, you’ll be happy for them.
JAMES 3:13-15
Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom. But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. This is not wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.
When you disagree with someone, you won’t close your ears. Instead, you’ll be open to reason.
JAMES 3:13, 17
…let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom…The wisdom from above is…open to reason…
When you’re slandered and hated, you won’t respond with slander and hatred. Instead, you’ll answer gently and respectfully.
1 PETER 3:14-16
But even if you should suffer for righteousness sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, not be troubled, but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for the reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness (meekness) and respect.
