Fruit of the Spirit: Meekness

Today we will be discussing the Fruit of the Spirit – Meekness. Meekness is a virtue that is often misunderstood and undervalued in today’s society, but it is something that God treasures greatly.

The word meekness in the original Greek language is “prautes,” which means gentleness, humility, and kindness. Jesus himself said in Matthew 5:5, “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.” So, let us take a closer look at what it means to be meek and how we can cultivate this Fruit of the Spirit in our lives.

Meekness is not weakness, but rather a strength under control. It is the ability to remain calm and peaceful even in the face of adversity. Meekness allows us to be humble and willing to serve others, just as Jesus did when He washed the disciples’ feet in John 13:5. It is a reflection of the character of Christ.

One great example of meekness in the Bible is Moses. In Numbers 12:3, we read, “Now the man Moses was very meek, above all the men which were upon the face of the earth.” Moses was a great leader, but he was also very meek. He did not retaliate when his authority was challenged, and he remained faithful to God even in difficult circumstances.

Another example of meekness is found in the life of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. In Philippians 2:5-8, we read, “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.” Jesus could have easily asserted His authority and power, but He chose to humble Himself and serve others, even to the point of death.

So, how can we cultivate meekness in our lives? We can begin by looking to Jesus as our example and asking God to help us develop this Fruit of the Spirit. We can also practice humility, putting others’ needs before our own, and avoiding self-promotion. Proverbs 16:19 says, “Better it is to be of an humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud.”

Meekness is a Fruit of the Spirit that is often overlooked in today’s world. We are called to reflect the character of Christ in our lives, and meekness is a vital part of that. Let us strive to cultivate this Fruit of the Spirit in our hearts and minds, following the examples of Moses and Jesus.