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Meekness is closely related to humility. They cannot really be separated, but they are not the same thing. Humility is how we see ourselves compared to other people, pride would be the opposite of what humility is. Meekness is a response to others, to circumstances, and to God. There must be humility along with meekness, but it is a character quality before it comes out in a response in word or in action.
Meekness is focused on God, it is not self centered and is not preoccupied with self at all. Meekness is motivated by love for God.
Meekness is serenity and resignation to God’s sovereignty, an acceptance of how things are. A settled peace as the meek person approaches life.
Meekness is willingly accepting the desires of someone else, not being continually concerned with getting my own way.
People looked at Jesus and the cross and they see weakness. Meekness is not weakness, Jesus could have called 10,000 angels down to release him from the cross… but he didn’t.
We have heard that our real character shows up when life gets rough. Meekness doesn’t necessarily show up on a nice day when everything is going well. However, meekness does show up when a stressful situation may arise, one response is to be calm and meek, even though the response that comes naturally is to “blow up.”
Matthew 11 – Jesus calls us to come to him when we are weak… and he will give us rest for our souls. This is a beautiful invitation. Jesus wants to develop meekness in us.
Chastening is a sign that God loves us! No chastening is fun, it is painful, but the Bible tells us that it results in righteousness if we are willing to learn from the trials and difficulties that God allows in our lives. God’s grace is sufficient for us.
As God works in a surrendered heart it strengthens our faith. Gods ways and godly responses are always right and are always the best. Responding in the carnal way that usually rises up within us first usually doesn’t result in an outcome that is desirable.
James 3 – A guidance system, a wisdom from God that directs our responses. The fruit of righteousness is sown in peace.
Ephesians 4:26 – Jesus was angry when he cast out the people from the temple. Can we have this kind of “righteous anger” yes… but if our anger is based on how I feel about something, and I would feel some satisfaction by punching him in the nose… that’s probably a sign that the anger of man is coming through. Endure meekly, that is what we are called to here in Ephesians.
Ephesians 4:31-31, 1 Peter 2:23 – Be kind to one another. Tender hearted. Forgive each other. Meekness is not in these verses specifically, but this describes a meek person and his words and responses.
1 Peter 3:15 – Witness meekly. Be ready to give answers regarding the hope that you have, but be respectful… not brash and harsh. More than that though a meek and humble and Christlike spirit is an incredible testimony in and of itself.