Meekness

I wanted to follow up to Sunday’s sermon on Meekness.  As I highlighted, meekness was historically often associated with being weak and wimpy; for this reason, meekness may be among the most misunderstood words in the scriptures!

Per our operational handbook (The Bible) Meekness is strong, not weak; active, not passive; courageous, not timid; restrained, not excessive; modest, not self-aggrandizing; and gracious, not brash. 

Below are some attributes of the fruit of meekness that will manifest in your life as you grow spiritually: 

1. The Meek Have Self-Control

There are going to be days when things don’t go your way. If, say, you’re driving down the Corridor and someone drives right up to your car bumper going 100mph, how do you respond? You could get angry, yell some profanities, even slow down to further escalate the situation, or give them a hand sign.

Yet, as believers we have another option, as that’s too submit to the Holy Spirit and be obedient to the fruit of meekness.

One of Heavenly Father’s greatest gifts is the freedom to act for ourselves. We can control how we act. We don’t have to yell or scream. Instead, the scriptures say we should interact “by gentleness and meekness” We have a choice whether to surrender or lose control. 

2. The Meek Are Humble and Teachable

When I was learning to drive, my friend Colin wanted to teach me how to jump-start a car. With jumper cables in hand, he opened the hood of our car and told me where the cables go on the engine.

“Yeah, I already know how to do it, Colin.” I said, even though I really didn’t.

A short time later, my friend’s car battery died. He asked if I could give his car a jump. I grabbed the jumper cables from my trunk, looked at my friend’s car, and just stood there. I had no clue how to jump start a car. At that moment, I wished I had been humble enough to listen to my friend Colin.

When we’re humble, we’re teachable. When we’re teachable, we learn. Learning brings knowledge, skill, progress—and strength.

We’re here to learn and prepare for eternal life—something way more important than how to use jumper cables. And our Heavenly Father has a lot to teach us about it. He promises the humble that He will lead them by the hand. Being humble and teachable is essential to our progress and happiness.

3. The Meek Forgive

Has someone hurt your feelings or mistreated or disrespected you? It can be hard to forgive and let it go. But if we don’t forgive, bitterness and anger can grow and become a very heavy burden.

Jesus taught us to forgive. He said, “Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you.” With Jesus’s help, you can forgive, rise above the hurt, and move forward with peace. Forgiving is a sign of meekness.

 4. The Meek Say “I’m Sorry”

There might be times when you are the one who has hurt someone’s feelings. Owning up to your mistakes is not easy but saying “I’m sorry”—and meaning it—is an important part of meekness. A genuine apology requires strength of character. It shows that you’re willing to make things right when you’ve done wrong.

5. The Meek Serve Others

When Jesus and His disciples were gathered for the Passover, Jesus took a moment to wash His disciples’ feet. He then told them, “The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent is greater than he that sent him.”

The meek consider it a privilege to serve others, and with that get to take the focus off themselves. As too much introspection is unproductive and dangerous.

 PS: Let’s all remember this week that being meek might seem challenging, but we are promised that we are not alone in our efforts. As Jesus said:

“Take my yoke upon you and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.”

 See you Sunday,

Pastor Rick