What is meekness?

“Learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart.” (Matt. 11:29) 

The Lord calls His disciples—and thus also us—to learn meekness from Him. In order to be able to do this, we must first explore the question of what this quality involves. After that, we’ll explore the Gospels to discover in which situations our Master behaved with meekness. 

Meekness is shown, among other things, by accepting difficulties, problems, disappointments or personal attacks and insults without defending yourself or complaining. Furthermore, a meek spirit doesn’t allow discontent, bitterness or feelings of revenge to arise in the heart. 

Meekness is strength! It means to be strong in Christ and not to be tempted to evil and to act carnally due to the provocation of other people. These things then bounce off me because I have put on Christ.  

Meekness isn’t weakness, it’s strength under control. A meek person can afford to act gently and mildly because of inner strength. He’s completely under the rule of God. 

We find three great commandments of meekness summed up in one scripture: “Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger” (Jas. 1:19). 

 Meekness shows true greatness. Solomon says, “Whoever is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city” (Prov. 16:32).  

How often the great names of famous conquerors appear in the records of history. How often their conduct, bravery and success are exalted and celebrated! But the Word of God says: He who by meekness rules his spirit is greater than Alexander the Great or William the Conqueror. 

J.P.S.