Blessed are the Meek

Matthew 5:5 – “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.”

For some, the word meek suggests weakness, timidity, or someone who is easily taken advantage of. But meekness, as a fruit of the Spirit, is not weakness—it is strength exercised in self-control. Meekness is the opposite of sudden anger, rage, revenge-seeking, or holding grudges. It does not deny the need for righteous confrontation, but it requires that such confrontation be carried out with a gentle spirit and a steadfast love for the truth.

Moses was a meek man, more than anyone on the earth. The people murmured against him many times, which was ultimately murmuring against God. God was ready to disinherit and destroy them, and to make a new people from Moses. Yet Moses interceded for them so that they would not be destroyed, and God pardoned them according to Moses’ plea. Though he suffered wrong from the people, he prayed for their forgiveness. What an example of meekness!

Jesus was also meek and lowly of heart. He came down from heaven to save His people from their sins. He submitted to the will of the Father in all things, even to death on the cross. He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; and as a lamb before its shearers is silent, so He opened not His mouth. On the cross He prayed, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” Jesus had compassion on the multitudes—healing them, raising the dead, casting out demons, and feeding thousands who had nothing to eat—yet many of these same people rejected Him. He taught that to be the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven, one must humble oneself and become the servant of all. Though Christ could be angry and yet not sin, His overall disposition was one of meekness, humility, and gentleness.

Those who are spiritual are called to restore a brother who has fallen into sin. They are to do so in a spirit of meekness, not harshness or demeaning pride. For as all sheep are prone to stray, we too are liable to fall into the same sins. Looking down on others for their shortcomings and thinking highly of ourselves is not only pride and self-righteousness—it is also the very opposite of meekness.

When sharing the gospel with others, we are to earnestly contend for the faith, but always with meekness, humility, gentleness, and patience. We must speak the truth in love, not in strife or contention. God knows those who are His and will save every one of them. Our duty is to speak the truth in love and to pray for those with whom we share the gospel, that perhaps God would grant them repentance.

The meek shall inherit the earth. They are welcomed into the Kingdom of God and enjoy its blessings even now. The meek are not impatient or quarrelsome, nor are they always entangled in contentions, disputes, debates, or strife. Biblical meekness involves an attitude of humility, gentleness, and a steadfast reliance upon God—even in the midst of trials and tribulations.

“Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.”

Soli Deo Gloria!

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Greg Flannery is a Bible Teacher at Redeemer Church, Piketon, Ohio.