The Lost Fruit of Meekness

Meekness seems like weakness to most, because it goes against everything in our human nature. It is nearly a lost attribute in the world today. In our human nature, we are prideful people, full of ourselves – our self-worth, our abilities, and our potential. Today’s culture teaches it loud and clear with “believe in yourself” and “you can do anything.” It’s all about your own inner strength and power. Meekness is NOT seen as a virtue.

As believers in Jesus Christ, is this a wrong way to think? Let’s see what the Bible teaches about meekness which is a fruit of the Spirit (and the eighth in our series from Galatians 5:22-23). Remember, the fruit of the Spirit can only be cultivated with the help of the Holy Spirit; it’s nothing we can accomplish on our own. It’s about the inner strength and power of the Holy Spirit dwelling inside you.

What is Meekness?

“Meekness: A submissive and teachable spirit toward God that reveals itself in general consideration toward others.”

Paul Chappell

Meekness is when you are not occupied with self; it’s basically the opposite of self-righteousness or pride. It is a response to how others treat you. It’s accepting God’s bigger picture without anger, bitterness, or frustration.

Humility is a facet of meekness but not quite the same. Humility deals with the assessment of one’s own merits; meekness includes the evaluation of one’s personal rights. This has nothing to do with letting wrong prevail. Gentleness is also associated with meekness several times throughout Scripture (2 Corinthians 10:1, Galatians 5:22-23, 2 Timothy 2:24-25, Titus 3:2), but again, they are not the same even though people often interchange them. See my post on Be Gentle! to learn about the fruit of the Spirit, gentleness.

Jesus came to earth as all God and all man, yet He called Himself “meek and lowly” (Matthew 11:29). When Jesus made His “triumphant” entry into Jerusalem, He chose a donkey (John 12:12-16). It was a symbol of meekness instead of a warhorse representing an earthly king like the people wanted (Zechariah 9:9-10).

“I am sure there are many Christians who will confess that their experience has been very much like my own in this, that we had long known the Lord without realizing that meekness and lowliness of heart are to be the distinguishing feature of the disciple as they were of the Master.”

Andrew Murray, “Humility: The Beauty of Holiness”

When the soldiers came to arrest Jesus, He was not weak because He could not help Himself. He was meek because He had the infinite resources of God. He told the disciples with Him that He could “pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels,” but in His meekness He knew the Word of God must be fulfilled (Matthew 26:53).

Living in Meekness

Living in meekness with the help of the Holy Spirit is shown in 1) our meek spirit towards God and 2) our consideration of others (Titus 3:2). Matthew Henry said the meekness toward God “is the easy and quiet submission of the soul to His whole will, according as He is pleased to make it known, whether by His word or by His providence.”

Henry went on to say in dealing with others, meekness will “consider the circumstances,” “calm the spirit, so as that the inward peace may not be disturbed by any outward provocation,” “curb the tongue,” and “cool the heat of passion quickly” (The Nature of Meekness and Quietness of Spirit by Matthew Henry).

Whenever there is true grace in our lives, the Holy Spirit will give us the strength to conquer our pride, our desire to think of self. One way to achieve meekness can be seen in James 1:19 “Let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath.”

Let us examine our lives and see how we can grow this fruit of meekness to a healthier level. Has the fruit on your tree almost withered? How did you treat the server who was slow getting your drink refilled at the restaurant? Did you feel the need to prove your point with your spouse even though you may have been in the right? What was your response to your coworker who had a different opinion than you on a subject? Are we exhibiting a submissive and teachable spirit, tempering our inner self?

Our interim pastor, Dr. John Stevens said, “The human spirit fails unless the Holy Spirit fills.” Are we letting the Spirit do His work to cultivate His fruit?

The reality is meekness is a great virtue to have in our daily lives and holds great power. It may be the hardest to attain because it does not come naturally, but with the help of the Holy Spirit we can achieve this fruit of the Spirit we greatly need. Don’t let it become a lost fruit in your life. After all, in the sight of God it is “of great price” (1 Peter 3:4). It is a way to be like Jesus. Are you trying to grow meekness as you live your portion in this life? 💕