Blessed are the Meek

In this world meekness is commonly viewed as a weakness or vulnerability. Often being meek can be perceived as a personality flaw, and those who possess it are labeled as insecure, vulnerable and defenseless. Meekness isn’t a personality trait or flaw, but rather a prized characteristic that God greatly values, even when the world chooses to disregard it’s significance.

In this passage “meek” in Greek can be defined as “gentle” or “humble.” It also can be referred to as “tranquil” or “untroubled.” When we are gentle and possess self-control we can humbly leave our worries in God’s hands and find peace knowing God is taking care of our needs and is seeking justice.

I have to admit, when I display meekness in this world it can sometimes allow me to feel like I’m getting “walked on” and “mistreated.” Others can view gentleness or humility as an opportunity to mistreat or manipulate. Those who are dominating use it to their advantage of their “power.” I love how Psalm 37:7-9 encourages us to wait patiently, because one day the wicked will be eliminated and the meek will flourish.

When we are meek, we are submitting our cause over to God to handle and we don’t have to carry the burden to defend ourselves. We can state our cause respectfully to our opposer, but we don’t have to “win” the battle. God will take care of it. We can face adversity and criticism without the need to lash back to provoke a heated argument, because God will seek ultimate justice.

Although being meek does involve being submissive, it doesn’t mean we should be gullible or vulnerable when others mistreat us. In James 1:19-21 it mentions that we should be “slow to anger.” God instructs us that we shouldn’t lash out in haste, but we are encouraged to become “slow” to anger. Not all anger is wrong, even Jesus displayed righteous anger when He went into the temple, flipping over tables where the people turned God’s holy place into a marketplace to do business.

Although most forms of anger can very well lead to sin, there are some cases that righteous anger can be deemed acceptable. When we are “slow” to anger this allows us time to analyze our thinking and actions. Ponder whether this is something Jesus would potentially display righteous anger in, or if it’s instigated by a need to criticize, target or defame. When we do speak, we should do so by defending God’s truth, not a personal opinion or standard.

Meekness shouldn’t be mistaken for timidity. It shouldn’t be something that we write off as something we can use to eliminate confrontation with others. We should stand firm on what we believe, but do so in love and with respect. We as Christians don’t need to act hesitant or fearful, but we can have an unwavering faith that provides us with a humble assurance and courage to uphold our cause for Christ.

Jesus, while on earth, displayed meekness while also actively proclaiming the truth. Even though He remained humble, He didn’t back down amidst His accusers, but respectfully presented His cause without blame or revenge. Even in times of anger, He handled it with a righteous conviction.

Referring back to Psalm 37, God tells us to “commit [our] way to the Lord; trust in Him.” When we commit our plans to God and trust Him with our desires, God rewards us with His many blessings. When we’re promised that the “meek will inherit the earth” it’s like He’s bestowing us with all our eyes can see. Not just here on this earth, but the amazing new earth that is yet to be created (Revelation 21:1). This current earth may be full of deceit and wicked ways, but one day all things will be made new. There will be an amazing new earth where peace overflows and the meek will flourish. What a glorious time that will be!