Often we may think of meekness as weakness; however, meekness is defined by Merriam Webster as: enduring injury with patience and without resentment. This is a character quality that only God sees completely. Our human nature has both our conscious and subconscious minds programmed to respond one way outwardly and inwardly we could be feeling the exact opposite. When we are wronged, our human nature wants to exact full repayment, and restitution. Although the criminal justice system may bring a criminal to justice, it seldom brings peace of mind to the victim or survivors of the victim. When it comes to basic interpersonal relationships; a slight wrong can destroy years or a lifetime of friendship. God’s WORD will help us put meekness in perspective and help us to embrace this part of Godly character. Many infractions are sins against God and all will need to answer to God for all of their sins. Looking at scripture applications; we can glean a deeper understanding of this fruit of the Spirit.
- Vengeance belongs to God alone. This is hard for us when we are injured by another human being. Many years ago a friend assaulted me, which resulted in being rushed to the hospital. At that moment, my human nature wanted justice. When the district attorney refused to prosecute the case; there was an empty feeling; but God’s WORD gave me comfort. And the following scripture has given me much comfort over the years when injustice seems to win out.
Galatians 6:7 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.
We can be assured that God sees all and that He will judge all ultimately and every person will have to give an account; even if they get away with it now. As for the afore mentioned man, his anger and ability to avoid consequences; taught his teen age son to be the same way and that teen ended up in a maximum security prison. God will not be mocked; but we must trust Him and not seek vengeance our way.
Romans 12:19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.
2. We need to have a forgiving heart and nature. When Jesus said forgive seventy times seven, He was basically saying that it is not our right to withhold forgiveness. Ninety percent or more of the time or more; when someone asks for my forgiveness; my reply is, “There is nothing to forgive, because it’s not my place to hold a grudge or even to be angry.” Cutting people slack; adds peace of mind and unity that is priceless.
Matthew 18:22 Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.
3. Family can bring us adversity. There is a cliché that says; “You can pick your friends, but you can’t pick your family.” It seems that every family can find some dysfunction. If this was a justifiable reason not to try to build unity and express love; we would all be living in our excuses. Family may bring some of our most challenging circumstances in life; but this is true with any relationship. We need to be the friend and family member who loves at all times and over look the adversity and the conflict. Respond in love and don’t react in self centered anger.
Proverbs 17:17 A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.
There is so much to say on this topic. This is only an introduction to meekness. Pursuing it will bring a lifetime of application and experience. If we embrace these three simple points, we will open the door to many blessings:
1 Put vengeance in God’s hands
2 Forgive and release all trespasses
3 Love at all times
The longer we walk in the Spirit, the more God’s nature will be engrafted in our hearts and minds and we will bear the fruits of God’s Spirit in our lives.
Prayer: LORD God Almighty Father, thank you for your love and mercy. Thank you for your WORD that leads me to a closer walk with you. Fill me with your love, mercy and character. Lead me in your will, in Jesus’ name, Amen.
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