How can we encourage others to embrace meekness as described in Psalm 37:11? Rooted in Psalm 37:11 Psalm 37:11: “But the meek will inherit the land and delight in abundant prosperity.” - God promises tangible blessing—“inherit the land”—and deep satisfaction—“delight in abundant prosperity”—to the meek. - Because Scripture is true and literal, these words provide a rock-solid motive for pursuing and encouraging meekness today. Understanding Biblical Meekness - Meekness is not weakness; it is strength under God’s control (cf. Proverbs 16:32). - It combines humility, patience, and a yielded will, displayed perfectly in Christ (Matthew 11:29). - Moses offers an Old Testament example (Numbers 12:3). Why Meekness Matters to God - Jesus echoes Psalm 37:11 in the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:5), underlining its lasting importance. - Meekness reflects the “gentle and quiet spirit” God calls precious (1 Peter 3:4). - It is part of the believer’s wardrobe of grace (Colossians 3:12) and evidence of the Spirit’s fruit (Galatians 5:23). Helping Others See the Beauty of Meekness - Share the promises: Meekness leads to inheritance and joy, not loss. - Highlight Christ’s example: the King who entered Jerusalem on a colt, gentle and victorious (Zechariah 9:9; Matthew 21:5). - Contrast outcomes: pride leads to conflict (James 4:1–6), while meekness promotes peace (James 3:17–18). Practical Steps to Encourage Meekness - Model controlled speech: “Be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger” (James 1:19). - Celebrate quiet victories: applaud restraint as loudly as achievement. - Offer Scripture memory challenges—Psalm 37:11; Matthew 5:5; Ephesians 4:2. - Teach servant leadership: assign tasks that put others first, reflecting John 13 service. - Provide gentle correction: restore others “in a spirit of gentleness” (Galatians 6:1). - Foster prayer for difficult people; praying softens hearts toward meek responses (Luke 6:27–28). Living Illustrations that Inspire - Share testimonies of believers who traded retaliation for restraint and watched God defend them (Psalm 37:5–6). - Point to church history heroes—Corrie ten Boom forgiving captors, Hudson Taylor yielding personal rights—showing meekness changing lives. A Vision of Inherited Blessing - Remind one another that the coming Kingdom will literally fulfill “inherit the land.” - Every act of meekness today anticipates that future, proving faith in God’s sure reward. |