Introduction
The word “meek” is often misunderstood in today’s society, with many people associating it with weakness or timidity. However, in the Bible, meekness is a virtue that holds great importance for Christians. It is a quality that reflects humility, gentleness, and a willingness to yield to God’s will. When Jesus said, “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth” (Matthew 5:5, NKJV), he was teaching that those who are humble and submissive to God’s authority will be rewarded with a rich spiritual life and ultimately, eternal life.
In this blog post, we will explore the characteristics of a meek person, drawing from biblical examples and teachings. As you read through these characteristics, consider how you can cultivate meekness in your own life, so that you too can experience the blessings that come from this godly trait.
Key Takeaways
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- Meekness is not weakness, but a strength that comes from submitting to God’s authority.
- The Bible provides many examples of meek individuals, such as Moses and Jesus.
- Meekness is characterized by humility, gentleness, and a willingness to yield to God’s will.
- Being meek involves being teachable and willing to learn from others.
- Developing meekness in your life can lead to a richer spiritual life and ultimately, eternal life.
Humility: The Foundation of Meekness
Humility is the cornerstone of meekness. A meek person recognizes their own limitations and is not arrogant or boastful. They are aware that their abilities and talents come from God and are to be used for His glory. Proverbs 22:4 (NKJV) says, “By humility and the fear of the Lord are riches and honor and life.” A humble person acknowledges their dependence on God and seeks His guidance in all aspects of their life.
A prime example of humility in the Bible is Moses. In Numbers 12:3 (NKJV), we read, “Now the man Moses was very humble, more than all men who were on the face of the earth.” Despite being chosen by God to lead the Israelites out of Egypt, Moses did not see himself as superior or above others. He relied on God to provide him with the wisdom and strength needed for his mission.
By cultivating humility in our lives, we lay the foundation for meekness. We recognize our need for God’s guidance and are more willing to submit to His authority.
Gentleness: Strength Under Control
Another characteristic of a meek person is gentleness, which is often misunderstood as a lack of strength or assertiveness. However, gentleness is actually a powerful force that comes from having control over one’s emotions and actions. It is the ability to respond to situations with kindness, patience, and restraint, even when faced with opposition or hostility.
Jesus is the ultimate example of gentleness. In Matthew 11:29 (NKJV), He says, “Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” Throughout His ministry, Jesus demonstrated gentleness in the way He interacted with others, including those who were considered outcasts or sinners.
Developing gentleness in our lives requires self-control and a willingness to put others’ needs before our own. By doing so, we can create an atmosphere of peace and harmony in our relationships with others.
Willingness to Yield: Embracing God’s Will
A meek person is willing to yield to God’s will, trusting that He knows best and will guide them in the right direction. This means being open to change, even when it is uncomfortable or requires sacrifice. James 4:7 (NKJV) says, “Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.” Submitting to God’s authority allows us to overcome the temptations and trials that we face in life.
The Apostle Paul is an example of someone who was willing to yield to God’s will. After his conversion, Paul completely changed the direction of his life, going from persecuting Christians to being one of the most influential apostles in the early church. His willingness to yield to God’s plan allowed him to be used mightily for the kingdom of God.
Incorporating this characteristic into our lives requires prayer, discernment, and a willingness to trust God’s plan, even when it may not align with our own desires or expectations.
Teachability: A Lifelong Learner
Meekness also involves being teachable and willing to learn from others. A meek person does not think they have all the answers or are too proud to seek guidance from others. Proverbs 1:5 (NKJV) says, “A wise man will hear and increase learning, and a man of understanding will attain wise counsel.”
King Solomon, known for his great wisdom, epitomizes this characteristic. He understood the importance of seeking counsel and learning from others. In 1 Kings 4:29-34 (NKJV), we read about Solomon’s wisdom and how he sought knowledge from various sources, including listening to the proverbs and parables of others.
To cultivate teachability in our lives, we must be open to the wisdom and guidance of others, whether that be through reading the Bible, seeking counsel from spiritual leaders, or engaging in meaningful conversations with fellow believers.
Patience: Trusting God’s Timing
Finally, meekness is characterized by patience, particularly in trusting God’s timing. A meek person understands that there is a season for everything and is willing to wait patiently for God’s plan to unfold. Ecclesiastes 3:1 (NKJV) states, “To everything, there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven.”
Abraham and Sarah’s story in Genesis demonstrates the importance of patience. They waited many years for God to fulfill His promise of a child. Though they initially tried to take matters into their own hands, they ultimately learned to trust in God’s timing.
Developing patience in our lives requires faith and perseverance. We must trust that God is in control and that His plans for us are good, even when we don’t see immediate results.
Cultivating Meekness: A Path to Spiritual Growth
In conclusion, meekness is a valuable characteristic that every Christian should strive to develop in their life. By cultivating humility, gentleness, a willingness to yield to God’s will, teachability, and patience, we can experience spiritual growth and a deeper relationship with God.
Remember, as Jesus said in Matthew 5:5 (NKJV), “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.” The rewards of meekness are not just for this life, but for eternity. As we seek to grow in meekness, we can trust that God will provide the strength and guidance we need on our journey toward spiritual maturity.
The term “meek” can evoke many different connotations. While some may associate it with shyness or passivity, a meek person is actually quite different. Known for maintaining balance and temperance, a meek person exhibits the following characteristics:
Humility. An essential characteristic of a meek person is humility. Such an individual eschews arrogance and acts modestly, taking no more or no less than what is deserved. By humbly putting others before themselves, meek individuals display kindness and thoughtfulness in their interactions.
Consideration. When engaging in social dialogue, a meek person is always able to see through their own lens and the lens of those with different opinions. Even if they disagree with someone, a meek person is always respectful and thoughtful. It is this same invaluable trait that allows them to understand others, a trait that can help foster deep friendships and strong communities.
Patience. Patience is a prime quality of meek individuals. Such persons understand that not every issue or conflict needs to be solved immediately, and instead can stand back and observe the situation until a suitable answer can be found. Not easily rattled by criticism or insults, a meek-hearted person is resistant to conflict and can maintain peace even in chaotic environments.
Ability to take criticism. Being meek doesn’t mean that a person is immune to criticism. Instead, a meek person is able to invoke serenity and acceptance upon taking such criticism and is capable of feedbacking effectively. Additionally, meek persons are more willing to take responsibility for their mistakes and see them as places to grow and develop, rather than criticize themselves.
A meek person is an individual of great strength, capable of maintaining faith and serenity. Through humility, consideration, patience, and the ability to take criticism, meek persons constructively act on their beliefs in a way that is respectful and peaceful.
