Keeping unity -- Meekness
Meekness is another quality that will promote unity among God’s people and is another fruit of the Spirit. It is important to point out that this word has undergone some serious changes. Our dictionaries define meekness as a timid, unassertive person. However, the Greek word translated “meekness” when applied to our relation to others is sometimes translated “gentleness.” It is revealing to notice that the word was used by the Greeks to describe a broken stallion. Here is a strong animal that has been tamed without loosing its spirit and strength in the process. It assumes an ability, power, or right to unleash its power on others but holds back even when being mistreated or provoked. Interestingly, the only two characters who are so described in the Bible were Moses and Jesus, two powerful leaders who never gave up on their followers but patiently and gently continued with them. Neither men refrained from identifying sin nor tolerated evil with passivity.
Meekness describes the attitude and manner of teaching and/or correcting others. Peter writes, “being ready always to give answer to every man that asks you a reason concerning the hope that is in you, yet with meekness and fear” (1 Pet. 3:15). The two things that must accompany the speaking of truth is love (Eph. 4:15) and meekness. Many are qualified to defend or debate a proposition of truth but are not motivated by love nor present the truth gently. James wrote, “Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by his good life his works in meekness of wisdom” (James 3:13). Gentleness is never an excuse for compromise or indifference toward heaven’s authority. It seems that many are on the extreme ends of the spectrum. Either we are bold, aggressive defenders of right with harsh and unkind mannerisms or we are very kind and gentle but fail to teach the truth for fear of being offensive. We need both in order to maintain unity. The only time Jesus was not patient and gentle was when he, knowing the dishonest and self-righteous hearts, rebuked them sternly for their errors (Matthew 23). Yet, this was only after repeated efforts of working with them. He did not attack the woman at the well nor the woman taken in adultery. Our goal should be to grow in wisdom to determine when to use strong language and when to be patient. We need to have the right attitude, determine the appropriate action and employ the right method if we are going to “admonish the unruly,” “encourage the faint-hearted,” restore one overtaken in sin, show mercy on the doubting, and comfort the penitent.
Meekness is also the attitude used when exhorting a brother in any sin. Paul wrote, “Brethren, if any man be overtaken in any trespass, ye who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness (meekness), looking to thyself, lest thou also be tempted” (Gal. 6:1). Meekness (power under control) retains its strength to confront sin without any compromising to divine truth, yet does so in a gentle manner. On the one hand, Paul told Timothy to rebuke in the sight of all them that sin (1 Tim. 5:20). On the other hand, the Lord’s servant must not strive, but be gentle toward all, apt to teach, forebearing in meekness correcting them that oppose themselves…” (2 Tim. 2:24-25).
Meekness describes the virtue of a wife who submits to her husband even when she knows he is wrong about something or submits even when she may be better qualified to lead a discussion. Here is power under control! Rather than make a display of his foolish error, or proves her superior ability, she assumes the “meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price” (1 Pet. 3:1-3)..
