I used to have a friend who called Meakness, “Power under control”. More specifically, it is yielding our rights to God so He can demonstrate His peace and power through our lives.One Hebrew word translated meekness is -anavah. It is derived from the root -anah, which means “to humble oneself, to bow down, to be afflicted, to become low.” One Greek word for meek is -praus. It simply means “mild, humble.” The word meekness is often used in combination with other words such as lowliness (see Ephesians 4:2), righteousness (see Psalm 45:4), and gentleness (see II Corinthians 10:1).

Significance of Meekness

Meekness is vital because it is the one quality that Jesus used to describe Himself: “… Learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart” (Matthew 11:29). Thus, the more we understand and develop meekness, the more we take on the nature of the Lord Jesus Christ. It is therefore understandable that Jesus would begin His discourse on discipleship by praising the quality of meekness: “Blessed are the poor in spirit… . Blessed are they that mourn… . Blessed are the meek… .” (Matthew 5:3-5).

Rewards of Meekness

1. Knowing Jesus Christ

The goal of the Apostle Paul was “to know Him [Jesus Christ], and the power of His resurrection …” (Philippians 3:10). He declared that he counted “…all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord” (Philippians 3:8).

2. Comprehending the Gospel

The good news of salvation is available to everyone. However, only the meek will understand it and respond to it. Jesus explained this when He opened the scroll of Isaiah and read, “The spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek” (Isaiah 61:1).

3. Transforming Our Souls

It is by the quality of meekness that one is able to make God’s Word a vital part of his mind, will, and emotions and thereby conquer the sinful and destructive habits of life. (See James 1:21.)

4. Receiving God’s Guidance

One of the most important challenges in life is making wise decisions. We often make decisions that we are sure are right, but they turn out to be wrong. When we demonstrate the quality of meekness, the Lord will direct us in our decisions. (See Psalm 25:9.)

5. Developing True Character

Scripture explains that the “hidden man of the heart” is more important to adorn than the outward appearance of a person. This inward adornment is to be meekness. (See I Peter 3:3-4.)

6. Enjoying Life to the Fullest

Many people do not actually enjoy their own possessions. They eat food, but it does not satisfy their appetites. However, God promises that “the meek shall eat and be satisfied” (Psalm 22:26).

7. Receiving a Lasting Inheritance

The meek will receive an eternal reward. Jesus promises, “Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth” (Matthew 5:5).

Personal Evaluation: How Meek Are You?

• Have you dedicated yourself to God and yielded all your rights to Him?
• Do you have full confidence that God controls all that happens to you?
• Is it your goal to become more like the Lord Jesus Christ?
• Have you received and responded to the good tidings of the Gospel?
• Do others praise you for a meek and quiet spirit, or do they react to an angry spirit?
• Do people resist your advice or counsel when you try to help them?
• Do you speak evil of those in positions of leadership?
• Do people ask you why you are so peaceful when serious adversities come into your life?
• Have you exchanged your burdens for the yoke of Christ?
• When you do good works and are praised for them, do you deflect the honor to others who helped you?

How Do We Learn Meekness?

We learn meekness by coming to Christ with the recognition of our own weaknesses and being united with Him by belief in His finished work on the cross. Then we must grow in the experiential knowledge of Christ, Who humbled Himself for us, that we might be conformed to His image.