What is true meekness?
Meekness is not powerlessness; rather, it is power under control. It is the restraint of power for the accomplishment of a higher cause. Meekness should not be confused with weakness. Weakness is the absence of strength and power. Meekness is restrained strength and power. Someone chooses to be meek for redemptive purposes, e.g. for love or showing mercy. The most vivid illustration of the difference between weakness and meekness is seen in Jesus’ response to Pilate in John 19:10-11: Then Pilate said to Him, “Are You not speaking to me? Do You not know that I have power to crucify You, and power to release You?” Jesus answered, “You could have no power at all against Me unless it had been given you from above.” Pilate thought he had power, but compared to the power possessed by Jesus, he was weak. Jesus had all power, but He chose to be meek. He restrained Himself in order to fulfil God’s redemptive plan.
For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. (Colossians 1:16)
God’s power shown through His meekness
God created the entire universe by the power of His Word through the Lord Jesus. Man was created through Him and for Him. Yet, it was man who crucified Him. Jesus had all power and authority to destroy the earth and all mankind, but He chose to restrain His power. Instead, He went to the cross in meekness and humility (Philippians 2:5-8). The strength of God’s character and restraint is evident in His meekness.
David, too, could testify of the meekness and gentleness of God. Having been delivered from the hand of his enemy, he indicated the secret of his success: You have also given me the shield of Your salvation; Your right hand has held me up, Your gentleness has made me great. (Psalm 18:35). He was no longer a shepherd boy but king, and he ruled with mercy, truth and lovingkindness. Mercy and truth preserve the king, and by lovingkindness he upholds his throne. (Proverbs 20:28).
Consider: How do you exercise the power and authority you have? As a parent, husband, wife, worker, manager, Christian, etc., are you merciless in your pursuit of justice or can those over whom you have authority testify of your mercy, gentleness and lovingkindness, despite their mistakes? How can you change the way in which you exercise discipline? Do you feel God’s gentleness when you correct your children/employees, etc?
Prayer: Father of mercy, You say that the meek shall inherit the earth and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace (Psalm 37:11). I confess that I sometimes exercise authority and power in ways that are not merciful, gentle and loving. Often, I stand in judgment of others and have even at times represented You as being without mercy. Please teach me meekness in all of my ways. Teach me how to correct, guide and discipline like Jesus.
Consider: We all have been entrusted with a measure of power and authority. Have you taken notice of the different spheres of influence entrusted to you? How do you exercise your authority? Do you sometimes wrongly apply or use the authority and power entrusted to you? Have you thought about how others experience your leadership? One way to find out, is to ask those entrusted to you how you can better serve them. It may be painful to hear of mistakes you make, but do not defend yourself. Instead, in meekness, take their response to the Lord in prayer and ask Him to show you the areas of your leadership that He wants you to change.
Prayer: Father in heaven, I confess that sometimes I lord my power over others. Sometimes, I exert my authority to suit my own ends. Please teach me by Your Holy Spirit how to be meek and gentle in my leadership, like You.
The gift of meekness
Seek the LORD, all you meek of the earth, who have upheld His justice. Seek righteousness, seek humility. It may be that you will be hidden in the day of the LORD’s anger. (Zephaniah 2:3). From man’s inception, he has resisted meekness. Pride, the love of self over God, manifested itself in the Garden. The fall of Adam eventually led to increased violence and oppression. Abel was murdered by his brother, Cain (Genesis 4). After this incident violence and oppression continued to spread throughout earth until the great flood (Genesis 6).
Even after the flood, violence reared its ugly head. The inhabitants of Sodom and Gomorrah are good examples of this. Still today, violence rules: it rules in our hearts, our attitudes and in the way we think about ourselves and others. We need to be on constant guard regarding the violence birthed from pride, and remain in submission to the Holy Spirit.
Many people hate themselves and hurt themselves – cutting themselves, for example. Many people hate others and hurt or abuse them. Hurting, destroying and oppressing are all about control; the antithesis of love, which is grace, gentleness and meekness.
No one is more powerful than God. He is Almighty! Yet, Satan tried to gain control over God and His kingdom. Ever since that time, we have done likewise. Our fallen sinful nature lords our power and authority over others trying to rule them, control them, and manipulate them.
How do I cultivate a lifestyle of meekness?
Cultivating a meek heart involves surrendering to God’s will, walking in humility, and allowing the Holy Spirit to shape your character. Here are some biblical steps to develop meekness:
1. Surrender to God’s will
Meekness is submitting to God’s authority. Jesus in Matthew 26:39 prayed, “…not as I will, but as You will.”
Application: Pray daily, asking God to help you yield to His plans rather than your own desires.
2. Develop humility
A meek heart does not seek self-promotion but trusts God to exalt in due time (1 Peter 5:6). Moses was called the meekest man on earth (Numbers 12:3) because he depended on God rather than defending himself.
Application: Reject pride and be willing to learn from correction and godly counsel.
3. Be slow to anger and quick to listen
Meekness shows patience, even under provocation. James 1:19-20 says, “…let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath.”
Application: When tempted to react in anger, pause and pray before responding.
4. Trust in God’s justice, not your own
Meekness means leaving vengeance to God rather than retaliating. Romans 12:19 says, Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord.
Application: When wronged, commit the situation to God and let Him handle it.
5. Serve others with love
A meek heart puts others before itself. Jesus washed the disciples’ feet in John 13:14-15, modelling servant-hearted leadership.
Application: Look for opportunities to serve without expecting recognition.
6. Depend on the Holy Spirit
Meekness is a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23), meaning it grows as you walk closely with God.
Application: Spend time in prayer and the Word, asking the Holy Spirit to transform your heart.
7. Embrace trials as training for meekness
God often uses challenges to develop meekness in us. James 1:2-4 teaches that trials produce patience and maturity.
Application: Instead of complaining, ask God what He wants to teach you through hardships.
8. Keep your eyes on Jesus
Jesus said, “Learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” (Matthew 11:29)
Application: Study Jesus’ life and imitate His gentleness, especially in dealing with others.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I come before You with a humble heart, asking You to shape me into the person You desire me to be. Teach me to walk in meekness, just as Jesus did. Help me to surrender my will to Yours, trusting that Your ways are higher and better than mine.
Remove pride, selfish ambition and any desire for control that does not align with Your purpose. Teach me to be slow to anger, quick to listen, and patient in trials. May my words and actions reflect Your love and gentleness, even in difficult situations.
Lord, give me the strength to trust in Your justice rather than seeking my own. Help me to serve others with humility, to forgive freely and to love unconditionally. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit, that I may bear the fruit of meekness and bring glory to Your name.
Thank You for Your grace and for walking with me on my earthly journey. I rest in Your promise that the meek shall inherit the earth.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
