Be Gentle

If asked the question, “What is your greatest strength?” when was the last time you responded, “Well, I’m particularly meek.”

I’m guessing not recently, if ever.

Meekness isn’t exactly a quality that is valued in a world built on individualism, competition and comparison. In fact, when we think of the word “meek” we tend to think about the dictionary.com definition, “quiet, gentle, and easily imposed on; submissive.”

But the Greek, praus, has a much different definition. While sometimes translated as meek, it is more often translated as gentle.

You, Too, Must, by Rev. Lisle Gwynn Garrity, Sanctified Art

In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus says, “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” (Matthew 11:29). Paul uses it in Ephesians, “I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love” (Ephesians 4:1-2). In Galatians, Paul lists it as a fruit of the Spirit, “By contrast, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” (Galatians 5:33-23).

Rather than submissive or easily imposed on, the best definition I have seen for meekness is, “strength under control.” Meekness, or gentleness, doesn’t mean weakness and being a doormat so that everyone can walk all over you. Rather, there’s a certain strength in meekness.

Sometime around 110 AD, the bishop of Antioch, Ignatius, travelled to Rome to face his own martyrdom. Along the way he wrote to the church in Ephesus about how they should respond to those who were persecuting followers of Christ. He wrote:

“In response to their anger, be gentle

In response to their boasts, be humble

In response to their slander, offer prayers

In response to their errors, be steadfast in the faith

In response to their cruelty, be civilized…”

Ignatius’ words follow the example of Jesus, the meekest human to ever walk the earth.

Consider this, on the night of his betrayal, Jesus bent down and washed the feet of his disciples, including the feet of his betrayer, Judas (John 13). A few hours later, in the Garden, he told Peter to put away his sword after Peter had drawn it and cut off the ear of one of the soldiers. Jesus went on to heal the soldier’s ear (Luke 22:45-53). Having endured mockery and unimaginable pain, among Jesus’ final words from the cross are, “Father, forgive them for they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34).

So, the next time you’re asked about your greatest strength, maybe meekness wouldn’t be a bad answer.

Grace and peace,

Kimmy