“Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering”
The fourth garment of spiritual clothing we are to don is “meekness.”
“meekness”
“Meekness” is a term that is difficult to understand because of its usage in English; over time, it lost the essence of its meaning. Meekness is more than gentleness and carries the idea of strength. Both Moses and Jesus were called “meek.” The Greek meaning of “meekness” is inwrought grace (Thayer’s Lexicon). The idea is that what we have, we have from God. He gave us all of our human capacities and spiritual prerogatives.
A meek person demonstrates reliance on God (Gal. 6:1; 1 Cor. 4:21; 2 Tim. 2:25; 1 Pet. 5:5f); He is the great Giver; what we have, we have from Him. Dependence on God spurs meekness in our relationship with fellow believers.
Principle:
Meekness is inwrought grace.
Application:
Some people think that it is wrong to have a good posture. To them, a meek person stands round-shouldered. A meek person never uses strong language; he does not even raise his voice. It is as if he were a little mouse making squeaky noises. Meekness is not the devaluation of what we are but the recognition that who and what we are is because of God’s grace.
Meekness takes a lowly attitude toward others, but it is not weakness. Meekness is a tempered character where one realizes what he has is from God. This person is not overbearing. Jesus is said to be meek in Matthew 11:29, “Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle [meek] and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law” (Gal. 5:22,23).
“Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted” (Gal. 6:1).
“Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls” (James 1:21).
“Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom” (James 3:13).
“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” (1 Peter 3:15).
A meek person is someone who understands who and what they are is from God. Do you acknowledge that everything you are and have is from God?
