I don’t really recall ever hearing my dad yell at me or my three siblings while growing up. Sure, he was stern and authoritative when he needed to discipline us, but I don’t remember him ever flying off the handle. I’ve always had a deep respect for my dad, a respect that led me to never want to disappoint him— not out of fear, but because he doesn’t deserve to be disappointed. He displayed and communicated right from wrong to us as children, constantly went out of his way to do what needed to be done for all of us (and my mom), and didn’t retaliate, fight back, or try to get even if someone ever had a problem with him.
And he’s still this way today. Soft-spoken, kind, and I honestly can’t think of one person in this world who doesn’t like him.
Do you know anyone like that? Someone who you can describe in one, powerful word: meek.
“Meekness is weakness.” You may have heard that saying before. Or, perhaps no one has said those exact words to you, but you've got the vibe that that's the general consensus of our culture.
In today’s world, a meek and gentle spirit is often mistaken for weakness. A lack of strength. Powerless. Even, being a push-over. We're told to be strong, show everyone how much of an independent woman we are, and how we “don't need anybody.” Use our words, actions, and body language to exert power and force; take control, they say.
But is this the most effective behavior? I mean, sure, it gets the job done. People respond to fear, so if they're afraid of the big, strong woman you are— of course, you can make them do almost anything you want.
But, as a woman set apart for the Lord is this the life He calls you to?
WHAT IS MEEKNESS?
Meekness is the willingness to suffer injury or insult rather than be the one to inflict those insults on others. It produces a mildness in our demeanor and humility in our spirit. Meekness does not grasp for ways to overpower others or seek to be overbearing. There is a gentle, somewhat submissive quality to a person who is meek.
If you’ve been following our Godly Woman Wardrobe series, you know that meekness is the 4th character trait we are to put on according to Colossians 3:12-14.
“Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. ”
When we are meek, even if our natural personality tends to be on the stronger side, we choose to yield that powerfulness and instead speak and behave with gentleness for the benefit of others.
Meekness is strength under control.
It’s like what Paul urged the church of Ephesus— to display a lowliness and gentleness; to have patience and bear with one another in love. This is meekness and a worthy way of walking out our faith (Ephesians 4:1-2).
MEEKNESS IN THE BIBLE
Of course, like any good thing in life, we need to look no further than Jesus for our example of meekness. The Son of God, who left His place in heaven in order to come down and dwell among us, had every right to use His almighty power as He interacted with people. He was questioned, religious leaders tried to deceive Him, and He was provoked. Yet, He always responded with a meekness, never putting the full weight of His power at the forefront.
He showed His strength in teaching the truth, not in starting arguments. He was bold enough to confront wrong behavior in people, yet gentle enough not to strike them down. Those in His presence felt the weight of His authority (Mark 1:21-22), but He didn’t lord it over them. He came to earth for the people— for us— not to put His deity on display.
In 2 Corinthians 10:1, Paul, as he prepares to share some hard things with the readers of his epistle, urges the Corinthians “by the meekness and gentleness of Christ.” He desires to boldly share the tough, necessary things they need to hear in a gentle, strength-controlled manner— just as Jesus did.
Even Paul’s personality seemed to reflect a meekness, as, in the same verse, he goes on to say that he was meek when physically in their presence, but bold in his writings to them. Perhaps they thought he was hypocritical or two-faced. Or perhaps— they just didn’t quite understand what true meekness looked like.
Going back even further in time, we meet Moses, whom Numbers 12:3 says was very meek (or humble; or lowly), more so than anyone on the earth. The leader of the exodus learned how to hone that strong passion (that once led him to kill an Egyptian) into a quiet strength that would humbly and obediently walk in step with his God.
Meekness in our lives
So, what about us? What is meekness for us as Christian women, and how does it translate into our own lives? We often think that biblical principles are supposed to look differently for us in today’s world; in our current culture. But sister, God never changes and neither does His Word. So the direction and instruction we read in the Bible apply to us in the same way it applied to those living in those times. With a careful study of the Word, you can find many ways the Lord instructs us in how to live with an attitude of meekness. What is meekness? Dare I say, it conveys strength. Here are just a few thoughts:
#1: Meekness means submitting to God.
We humbly bow to His Word and His will, recognizing that there is no power that we could possess on our own that would fruitfully bring forth the will of God.
#2: Meekness means we let go of our rights.
We realize that our “logical” privileges and rights aren’t greater than our calling as a child of God. Our earthly prestige may bring us fame and attention in this life, but He has so much more for us. We live in a way that knows this to be true, not in a manner that ensures we’re placed on a pedestal above those “lower” than us.
“Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.”
#3: In meekness, we see strength in patience.
We know that even though we’re giving up our privileges and rights now, in our meekness and faithfulness to the Lord, we will inherit the earth. He’s got us. He cares for us. Our meek and mild attitude is not overlooked by Him. His reward is great for those who wait on Him, whether for His enactment of vengeance or simply for direction.
#4: In meekness, we share the truth with love and grace.
We should always be ready to communicate the source of our hope and shed light on our faith, but we do so with meekness— a gentle strength that exudes the power behind the gospel, but in a loving way that allows the hearer to feel the Holy Spirit’s conviction, not our condemnation (1 Peter 3:15).
STUDY EXAMPLES OF MEEKNESS IN THE BIBLE
God has given us all that’s needed to live a godly life– the answers are found in His Word! Let’s be women who live with meekness, humbly submitting to His blueprint for our lives. Use this FREE Bible study printables packet to aid you during your quiet time. Fill out the form below.
Blessed are the Meek, Sister
Honoring the Lord is not weak. It doesn’t mean we are less than. It takes more strength to refrain from unleashing the power you have than to actually unleash it. Like a well-trained horse, we know when to humbly submit and how to respond at the moment. Was this not, in fact, the example of our Lord?
There is no need to strive or to pursue a life of power so that our power can cause all things to work together for good for ourselves. No— that is the Lord’s job. Instead, as we allow ourselves to be enveloped with His gentleness, we can rest in His peace, knowing that He will make a way, in His own way. We simply need to trust and be obedient.
Meekness brings forth blessings— not only for you but for those who witness the love of Christ through your gentleness and respect.
Blessed are the meek.
Be blessed, sister!
Bible verses about meekness
Use your FREE Bible Study Printables (see download form above!) and find your own list of Bible verses about meekness! Here are just a handful to get you started.
Psalm 37:11 NKJV
But the meek shall inherit the earth, and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.
James 1:21 NKJV
Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.
James 3:13 NKJV
Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom.
1 Peter 3:15 NKJV
But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear.
Ephesians 4:1-2 NKJV
I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love;
2 Corinthians 10:1 NASB
Now I, Paul, myself urge you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ—I who am meek when face to face with you, but bold toward you when absent!
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