Matthew 5:5 NIV
[5] Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
What is Jesus teaching us here?
First of all what does it mean to be "meek?"
Webster defines it as "having or showing a quiet and gentle nature."
My reference Bible defines it "to be gentle."
Some have described it as "strength under control." All of these are accurate. Meekness is having a nice, gentle personality. Some have mistaken it to mean to be a "doormat" or a "wimp," to let people walk all over you. It doesn't mean that at all. It means you are gentle with people. You are nice, considerate, well-mannered with people. You treat people nicely with dignity and respect. All of this can be done as we keep our strength under control. I am a United States Marine Corps Veteran. Yet, I am a gentle person. I am a nice person. I keep myself, my strength under control with all people. See what I mean?
When we do this, Jesus says we will "inherit the earth." What does that mean? It means when we are gentle with people, they will want to be around us. It means we will get along with people. We'll be people who can make friends and can have good relationships. People will gravitate towards us and want be around us. Thus, we'll "inherit the earth."
So, here He is saying we will be happy if we have a gentle spirit and people will want to be around us as a result.
Hard to do? Not at all. This is one of the fruits of the Holy Spirit. We have it in our spirit already by the Holy Spirit who lives inside us. So, we walk by the Holy Spirit's leading and He produces our gentleness in us.
Galatians 5:22-23 NIV
[22] But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, [23] gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
Now, let's see what else the Bible says about this:
Matthew 5:39-42 NIV
[39] But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. [40] And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. [41] If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles. [42] Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.
Many people have trouble with that one. However, this is similar to what is said in the Bible when it says, "agree with your adversary quickly." We don't want trouble, so we act to resolve conflict quickly. We do whatever we can to calm people down and make a peaceful situation, being gentle with them.
Galatians 6:1 NIV
[1] Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted.
Ephesians 4:2-3 NIV
[2] Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. [3] Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.
Titus 3:1-2 NIV
[1] Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, [2] to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone.
James 1:19-20 NIV
[19] My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, [20] because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.
James 3:17-18 NIV
[17] But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. [18] Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.
Psalms 37:11 NIV
[11] But the meek will inherit the land and enjoy peace and prosperity.
Psalms 147:6 NIV
[6] The Lord sustains the humble but casts the wicked to the ground.
Psalms 149:4 NIV
[4] For the Lord takes delight in his people; he crowns the humble with victory.
Then, if all that doesn't do it for you, just look at how Jesus lived while He was on Earth. He was always loving and gentle. Go and live like He lived.
Love you all dear readers,
Jeffrey Post
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