Meekness is one of those words that are cringed at. Often the image of a weak person comes to mind, "Meek? I don't want to be meek."
Properly understood though, it is the antidote to many of our self-made problems.
Dictionary.com defines meekness as:
If meekness really is oppressive suppression of personality, morals and will, then I agree with the secular understanding: "avoid being this". However, since meekness is "humbly patient or docile, as under provocation from others," it is apparent that it is actually an incredible strength. I like to think of it as: not letting the antagonist get under the protagonist's skin. It is control of the inner battle of the soul. It is choosing to respond well in unfavorable circumstances. It is counting to ten and then responding with gentleness to the enemy that attempts to provoke the angry giant within us.
"The servant of the Lord must be gentle, apt to teach, patient, in meekness instructing those that oppose." (2 Tim. 2:24–25)
Properly understood though, it is the antidote to many of our self-made problems.
Dictionary.com defines meekness as:
meek
adjective, meek·er, meek·est.
1.
humbly patient or docile, as under provocation from others.
2.
overly submissive or compliant; spiritless; tame.
3.
Obsolete . gentle; kind.
Origin:
1150–1200; Middle English meke, meoc < Old Norse mjūkr soft,mild, meek.
1150–1200; Middle English meke, meoc < Old Norse mjūkr soft,mild, meek.
The primary definition is what is meant when we say Jesus was meek or when we quote His Sermon on the Mount, "Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth."
The secondary definition is the way it is used and understood in secular society.
If meekness really is oppressive suppression of personality, morals and will, then I agree with the secular understanding: "avoid being this". However, since meekness is "humbly patient or docile, as under provocation from others," it is apparent that it is actually an incredible strength. I like to think of it as: not letting the antagonist get under the protagonist's skin. It is control of the inner battle of the soul. It is choosing to respond well in unfavorable circumstances. It is counting to ten and then responding with gentleness to the enemy that attempts to provoke the angry giant within us.
Think of the Hulk. Dr. Bruce Banner when taking certain measures can avoid transforming into a huge green creature of destruction. Likewise, the measures, that is, the habit of controlling our temper, is the virtue of meekness.
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