Topical Encyclopedia In the Christian faith, believers are called to emulate the character and virtues of Jesus Christ, with meekness being a central attribute. Meekness, often misunderstood as weakness, is a profound strength characterized by humility, gentleness, and a willingness to submit to God's will. The life and teachings of Jesus provide the ultimate example of meekness, and Scripture calls believers to conform to this example.Biblical Foundation The call to meekness is rooted in the teachings of Jesus and the apostles. In the Beatitudes, Jesus declares, "Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth" (Matthew 5:5). This statement underscores the value of meekness in the kingdom of God, promising divine reward for those who embody this virtue. The Apostle Paul, in his epistle to the Philippians, exhorts believers to adopt the mindset of Christ, who exemplified humility and meekness: "Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 2:5). Paul describes how Jesus, though divine, did not cling to His status but humbled Himself, taking on human form and submitting to death on a cross (Philippians 2:6-8). Christ's Example of Meekness Throughout His earthly ministry, Jesus demonstrated meekness in various ways. He consistently showed compassion and gentleness, even towards those who opposed Him. In Matthew 11:29, Jesus invites His followers to learn from Him, saying, "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" . This invitation highlights His gentle nature and offers a model for believers to follow. In His interactions with others, Jesus displayed meekness by prioritizing service over authority. In John 13:14-15, after washing His disciples' feet, He instructs them, "If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example so that you should do as I have done for you" . This act of servitude exemplifies the meekness that believers are called to emulate. The Call to Conformity Believers are urged to conform to Christ's example of meekness as a reflection of their faith and commitment to His teachings. The Apostle Peter encourages Christians to follow in Christ's footsteps, particularly in the face of suffering: "For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in His footsteps" (1 Peter 2:21). This call to emulate Christ's meekness is not limited to personal conduct but extends to interactions within the community of faith and the broader world. The Apostle Paul, writing to the Colossians, instructs believers to "clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience" (Colossians 3:12). This exhortation emphasizes the importance of adopting a Christ-like demeanor, characterized by meekness, in all aspects of life. Practical Implications Conforming to Christ's example of meekness involves a transformation of the heart and mind, aligning one's attitudes and actions with those of Jesus. It requires a willingness to submit to God's will, even in challenging circumstances, and to prioritize the needs of others above personal ambition. Meekness manifests in a gentle spirit, a readiness to forgive, and a commitment to peace and reconciliation. In a world that often values power and assertiveness, the call to meekness challenges believers to live counter-culturally, reflecting the character of Christ in their daily lives. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, Christians are empowered to grow in meekness, becoming more like their Savior and bearing witness to His transformative love. Torrey's Topical Textbook Matthew 11:29Take my yoke on you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and you shall find rest to your souls. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Christ of the Gospels. By Rev. Professor Schaff. A Defence of the Doctrine of Justification, by Faith in Jesus ... The Sermon on the Mount Means to be Used with Sinners. Of the Mortification of Our Natural Inclination to Liberty or ... Attributes of Love. Letter xv. Social and Relative Duties. The First Delegated General Conference of 1812 Letter xx. Self-Examination. Letter Lxxxii. (AD 405. ) Resources What is the No True Scotsman fallacy? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is nominalism? What is a nominalist? | GotQuestions.org To what extent should we strive to be like Jesus? | GotQuestions.org Example: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Example: Bad, Admonitions Against The Example of Christ is Perfect The Example of Christ: Conformity To, Progressive The Example of Christ: Conformity To, Required in Being Guileless The Example of Christ: Conformity To, Required in Being not of the World The Example of Christ: Conformity To, Required in Benevolence The Example of Christ: Conformity To, Required in Forgiving Injuries The Example of Christ: Conformity To, Required in Holiness The Example of Christ: Conformity To, Required in Humility The Example of Christ: Conformity To, Required in Love The Example of Christ: Conformity To, Required in Meekness The Example of Christ: Conformity To, Required in Ministering to Others The Example of Christ: Conformity To, Required in Obedience The Example of Christ: Conformity To, Required in Overcoming the World The Example of Christ: Conformity To, Required in Purity The Example of Christ: Conformity To, Required in Righteousness The Example of Christ: Conformity To, Required in Self-Denial The Example of Christ: Conformity To, Required in Suffering for Righteousness The Example of Christ: Conformity To, Required in Suffering Wrongfully The Example of Christ: Saints Predestinated to Follow Related Terms The-not-beloved (1 Occurrence) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences) Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) |
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