Meekness is not weakness

"Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth." Matthew 5:5

     Meekness is often misunderstood for weakness, spineless incompetence or even indifference. Today we are going to correct those misperceptions. Meekness is not weakness. The Bible promises the meek will someday inherit the land and enjoy great peace (Psalm 37:11). This promise applies to Zimbabwe and offers a key to the country's future. If you desire a blessed life with a future hope, meekness is a virtue to strive for.

     Meekness is something we all need and brings us great blessings. It is an inward attitude, and a characteristic of Christian character produced only by the Spirit of God (Galatians 5.23). Such inward strength empowers us to accept personal injury without resentment or recrimination (Numbers 12.1-3).

     Meekness is the opposite of weakness and is derived from the Biblical word, prasus, which means gentle. In the original Greek, prasus meant a mildness of things and a tameness of animals. When describing people, prasus was used to denote a gentleness and pleasantness of persons, kindly in character and/or lenient of activities or punishments. As an adverb, prasus denotes a quiet and friendly composure. All these attributes are highly valued so long as there is compensating strength. This gentleness is a mark of culture and wisdom if it does not degenerate into self-abasement.

     Meekness is not so much an attitude towards humanity, as it is a disposition before God. This attitude is one of deep humility. A truly meek attitude humbly acknowledges our dependence upon the goodness and grace of God, while exhibiting no arrogance towards others. Such an attitude does not resent adversity-and is accepting even of personal injuries from others, trusting God through it all.

     When we study the character of Jesus, he describes himself as a meek man, being gentle and humble in heart, offering us rest for our souls (Matthew 11:28-29). Near the end of his life as he rode into Jerusalem, once again he was described as a gentle man, strong and resolute, inwardly prepared for what awaited him. His meekness was evident when he stood silently before his unjust accusers, without a word of retort or self-justification.

     Christians worldwide are to cultivate meekness. The meek are to implore God to vanquish evil, vindicate the faithful and restore justice to the land. This blessed attitude can change the world. It is not a form of escapism or passivity. It will however, empower Zimbabweans to live with courage in the days ahead. Biblical meekness will speak against oppression and corruption, injustice and cruelty. Meekness is not weakness, but Holy Spirit empowered strength.

     Prayer: O God, we continue to pray for Zimbabwe's healing. Now through the help of the Holy Spirit, we ask for the virtue of meekness in our own life. Help us better understand meekness through the example of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Written by Rev. Dr. Sandy Bochonok
http://soulfoodministry.org
August 4, 2002
Permission is given to freely distribute and share this reflection with the people of Zimbabwe.