Topical Bible: Being Meek

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Definition and Characteristics:

Meekness, often misunderstood as weakness, is a profound biblical virtue characterized by humility, gentleness, and a submissive spirit. It involves a willingness to accept God's will and a readiness to endure hardship with patience and without resentment. Meekness is not the absence of strength but rather strength under control, reflecting a heart aligned with God's purposes.

Biblical References:

1. Old Testament:
· Psalm 37:11 : "But the meek will inherit the land and delight in abundant prosperity." This verse highlights the promise of divine blessing and inheritance for those who embody meekness, emphasizing a future reward for their humility and trust in God.
· Numbers 12:3 : "Now Moses was a very humble man, more so than any man on the face of the earth." Moses is often cited as an exemplar of meekness, demonstrating leadership and strength tempered by humility and reliance on God.

2. New Testament:
· Matthew 5:5 : "Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth." In the Beatitudes, Jesus elevates meekness as a key attribute of those who belong to the kingdom of heaven, promising them a share in God's eternal kingdom.
· 1 Peter 3:4 : "Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight." This passage underscores the value God places on a gentle and meek spirit, particularly in the context of Christian conduct and relationships.

Theological Significance:

Meekness is integral to Christian discipleship and spiritual maturity. It reflects a heart that is teachable and open to God's guidance, contrasting with pride and self-assertion. The meek person trusts in God's justice and timing, refraining from retaliation or self-promotion. This virtue is essential for maintaining peace and unity within the body of Christ, as it fosters a spirit of cooperation and mutual respect.

Christ as the Model of Meekness:

Jesus Christ is the ultimate model of meekness. In Matthew 11:29 , He invites believers to "Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls." Christ's life and ministry exemplify meekness through His submission to the Father's will, His gentle approach to sinners, and His sacrificial love on the cross.

Practical Application:

Believers are called to cultivate meekness as part of their spiritual growth. This involves:
· Submission to God's Will: Trusting in God's sovereignty and goodness, even in difficult circumstances.
· Gentle Interactions: Responding to others with kindness and patience, avoiding harshness or anger.
· Humility in Service: Serving others selflessly, recognizing that all gifts and opportunities come from God.

Conclusion:

Meekness is a vital Christian virtue that reflects the character of Christ and the transformative work of the Holy Spirit in the believer's life. It is a strength that brings peace, fosters community, and aligns the believer with God's eternal purposes.

Topical Bible Verses

Matthew 5:3
Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
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Matthew 5:5
Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.
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Matthew 11:29
Take my yoke on you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and you shall find rest to your souls.
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Romans 12:3
For I say, through the grace given to me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God has dealt to every man the measure of faith.
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Numbers 12:3
(Now the man Moses was very meek, above all the men which were on the face of the earth.)
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Greek

5011. tapeinos -- low-lying, fig. lowly, hence lowly in spirit
... See 5012 (). 5011 (", humble") means being #NAME?#NAME? ... lowly, hence lowly in spirit
NASB Word Usage depressed (1), humble (5), lowly (1), meek (1). ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5011.htm - 7k

Library

Petilianus Said: "Blessed are the Meek: for they Shall Inherit the ...
... 143. Petilianus said: "Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.'
You therefore, not being meek, have lost both heaven and earth alike." 144. ...
/.../chapter 64 143 petilianus.htm

The First Apostle of Peace at any Price
... 'Tis safer being meek than fierce.'. Isaac won the friendship of his opponents
by his patience, as the verses after the text tell. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/the first apostle of peace.htm

The Call of Matthew
... What right had He to pose as the physician for humanity, and how can such a
claim be reconciled with His being 'meek and lowly in heart'? ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture b/the call of matthew.htm

Titus ii. 5-Feb
... For when the life is illustrious, and the discourse corresponds to it, being meek
and gentle, and affording no handle to the adversaries, it is of unspeakable ...
/.../homily iv titus ii 5-feb.htm

2 Cor. x. 1, 2
... time also showing that although they should lay ever so strong [885] a necessity
upon him, he himself is more inclined to this: it is from being meek, not from ...
/.../homilies on the epistles of paul to the corinthians/homily xxi 2 cor x.htm

The Meek and Lowly One
... They may be regarded as being the lesson to be taught: "Learn of me; for I am meek
and lowly in heart." One great lesson of the gospel is to teach us to be meek ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/the meek and lowly one.htm

Being Easily Entreated
... man is compelled to defend his rights, he will do it in a meek and quiet way ... That
is the reason so many church troubles are always being settled but are never ...
/.../naylor/heart talks/talk thirty-one being easily entreated.htm

Chapter iv.
... of a father to those dutifully seeking it: "Blessed are the meek, for they ... see God."
To the peacemakers the likeness of God is given, as being perfectly wise ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/our lords sermon on the mount/chapter iv.htm

"Where Our Lord Appeareth, Peace is Taken, and Wrath Hath. No ...
... it behoveth needs to be that He [Himself] be ever one in love, meek and mild ... might
be wroth for an instant, [160] we should never have life nor place nor being. ...
/.../julian/revelations of divine love/chapter xlix where our lord.htm

The Unity of the Divine Being
... So leaving Him, if he has any being, to himself, they have found out ... springs real,
disinterested benevolence to all mankind; making him humble, meek, gentle to ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 114 the unity of.htm