Meekness

How To Put Meekness in Practice – by Cynthia Greene

Included in the Beatitudes is the message of, “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.” (Mat 5:5)  The goal of true Christians is the gift of eternal life, and as a member of God’s family we will be part of ruling the earth with Christ.  Before that promise is fulfilled, we are called to walk in meekness here and now.

Meekness is often misunderstood as weakness, but it is not the absence of strength.  Rather, it is strength under control-a gentle spirit that is submitted to God. Jesus said, “I am meek and lowly in heart.” (Matthew 11:29). 

Growing in meekness comes when we:

• Control our natural impulse to react to what others say and do.

When someone offends us and hurts our feelings, mercy will lead us to still be kind and loving toward them.  Instead of reacting, we choose patience and grace, reflecting the love of Christ.

“Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you”. (Ephesians 4:32)

• Remain teachable and humble.

A meek heart listens, learns, and accepts correction, knowing that God is shaping us into His likeness.

“Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time.”  (1 Pet 5:6). 

• Seek God’s approval instead of exalting ourselves.

True meekness is not self-focused, but looks for approval and acceptance from God alone.  Being God-focused shifts our priorities, focus, and thinking.

“Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.” (Galatians 1:10, NIV)

• Practice self-control in what we say, do, look at and listen to.

“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things”. (Phil 4:8)

• Be quick to forgive.

 “And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us.”  (Luke 11:4)

• Give God credit for all that we accomplish.

“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. (James 1:17)

• Resist the urge to judge others.

 “Let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger.”  (James 1:19)

• Ask God to cultivate meekness within us.

Meekness is a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5;23), it is not something that we can produce on our own strength.  We must daily seek the Holy Spirit’s help to soften our hearts and mold us into a new creation.

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.  (2 Corinthians 5:17)

Meekness is not passive—it is an active choice to surrender our will to God and allow His Holy Spirit to influence our words, actions, thoughts, and attitudes.  Meekness has an eternal reward:

“Blessed are the meek, For they shall inherit the earth.” (Matthew 5:5)