The Power of Meekness
“Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.” (Matthew 5:5) Just like all truths in the kingdom of God, we have to look at this truth with spiritual eyes. In our human minds, we see this and think, “Oh, so I need to let people overpower me to be blessed and to inherit the earth.” That’s not really what Jesus meant.
The definition of meek is: enduring injury with patience and without resentment: MILD. Other words that define meek include: down-to-earth, humble, modest, unassuming, and unpretentious. You may have heard this definition before, especially as it refers to the meekness of Jesus: “Meekness is power under control.” Think of the infinite power of Jesus as the Son of God, filled with the Spirit of God without limit, and with the authority given to Him by His Father. Yet, He chose to treat people with kindness, gentleness, and all the fruit of the Holy Spirit:
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit. Let us not become boastful, challenging one another, envying one another.” (Galatians 5:22-26)
How many times do we have the opportunity to show power under control rather than challenging one another? God is working on all of us to grow in this and all the fruit of the Spirit! We are tempted and tested every day to not push back on everything and everybody so that we’re not taken advantage of, or that we would have our own way. Yet, Jesus trusted His Father and the unlimited grace that comes from Him. He knew His Father had Him covered so He could finish the task He came to do – become a living sacrifice for each one of us. He paid the price for us so we can be covered with His righteousness, wholeness, and well-being.
He knows we can’t become righteous or whole on our own. He knows it’s a hard journey. We get tired, we lose our way, and we often give up. That’s why Jesus’s invitation to us is so welcome: “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am meek and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30)
His yoke means that we get to work with Him side by side, and He carries most of the weight. Our only burden is that we take His direction, knowing He’s meek and humble. He will neither bully nor abuse anyone, no matter what they’ve done or how they feel, or what they need. His beautiful character will lead the way. His meekness will show you His perfect power under control. Go to Him. He’ll give you rest for your soul and so much more.