“The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.” Galatians 5:22, 23.
Meekness does not mean mousy and timid. There is a strength in meekness. Strong’s Concordance defines meekness in this verse as “gentleness.”
Webster’s 1828 Dictionary defines meekness as, “Softness of temper; mildness; gentleness; forbearance under injuries and provocations. . . . humility; resignation; submission to the divine will, without murmuring or peevishness; opposed to pride, arrogance and refractoriness.”
Jesus is our example in “forbearance under injuries and provocations”—
Isaiah prophesied in Isa. 53:7 he opened not his mouth – Matt. 27:12-14 records the fulfillment of that prophecy when He stood before the tribunal.
Jesus certainly is our example in “submission to the divine will”—
- “I can of Myself do nothing. As I hear, I judge; and My judgment is righteous, because I do not seek My own will but the will of the Father who sent Me.” John 5:30.
- “He who sent Me is with Me. The Father has not left Me alone, for I always do those things that please Him.” John 8:29.
- “Who gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father.” Gal. 1:4
Just as Jesus did the will of His Father, so are we to do the Father’s will. Only those who do the will of the Father in Heaven will enter the kingdom. See Matt. 7:21
How important is meekness? Let’s see what other scriptures have to say—
- “Seek the Lord, all you meek of the earth, who have upheld His justice. Seek righteousness, seek humility [meekness]. It may be that you will be hidden in the day of the Lord’s anger.” Zeph. 2:3
- “Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering;” Col. 3:12
- “But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness [meekness].” 1 Tim 6:11
- “To speak evil of no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing all humility [meekness] to all men.” Titus 3:2
“Meekness is a precious grace, willing to suffer silently, willing to endure trials. Meekness is patient and labors to be happy under all circumstances. Meekness is always thankful and makes its own songs of happiness, making melody in the heart of God. Meekness will suffer disappointment and wrong and will not retaliate.” Testimonies, Vol. 3, pg. 335
“Through conflict the spiritual life is strengthened. Trials well borne will develop steadfastness of character and precious spiritual graces. The perfect fruit of faith, meekness, and love often matures best amid storm clouds and darkness.” Christ’s Object Lessons, pg. 61
My Father, My prayer is that of the Psalmist “I delight to do Your will.” I also pray for the precious grace of meekness today. Give me strength through the storm. In Jesus’ holy name I pray, Amen.
