I am meek ∙∙

I am meek ∙∙

Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Learn from me, for I am meek and lowly in heart. – Matthew 11:28-29

1 Peter 3:3-4

3 Don’t be concerned about the external adornment . . .
4 but let it be the inner person of the heart, the lasting beauty of a meek and tranquil spirit, which is precious in God’s sight.

A Countercultural Virtue

Modern Western culture often does not generally see meekness as a virtue. Traits like assertiveness and dominance frequently take center stage, while qualities such as meekness and humility are usually sidelined or misunderstood. Interestingly, even in biblical translations, “meekness” is sometimes replaced with words like “humility” or “gentleness.”

Yet, a few centuries ago, meekness held a place of deep spiritual significance. It was seen as foundational to a godly life. Matthew Henry described meekness as a state of “calm confidence, settled assurance, and rest of the soul. It is the tranquil stillness of a soul that is at rest in Christ. It is the place of peace.” Charles Wesley echoed this sentiment, stating, “The person who bears and suffers evils with meekness and silence is the sum of a Christian man.” Clearly, meekness was once regarded as a hallmark of spiritual maturity and Christlikeness.

Understanding Meekness

What exactly is meekness? It’s often misunderstood as weakness, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Wiersbe clarifies: “Meekness is not weakness; meekness is power under control.” This word in ancient Greek was used to describe things like “a soothing wind, a healing medicine, or a wild horse that had been tamed” (Wiersbe). Each of these examples reflects great power—but power that is harnessed and directed.

Meekness is not about lacking strength. Instead, it’s about submitting your strength to God, allowing Him to guide and refine it for His purposes. It’s the ability to restrain destructive instincts, choosing instead to act with grace and humility.

The example of Tamed Power

When wild animals are tamed, they don’t lose their power or strength. Instead, what changes is their independence and unrestrained instincts. They learn to accept guidance and trust their caretaker. For instance, a wild colt, once broken, becomes responsive to its rider. Its natural “fight or flight” impulses are set aside and replaced by trust and obedience.

The same is true for meekness in the life of a child of the King. By submitting to the Father, we place our instincts and will under His control. We do not lose our strength; instead, we gain a strength that is refined and purposeful.

Lessons from Parrots

The difference between wild and hand-raised parrots illustrates this concept very clearly. Parrots in the wild are fearful and quick to flee at the first sign of human presence. Their instincts for self-preservation dominate. By contrast, parrots raised in captivity that are hand-fed and tamed are completely different. They lose their fear of humans. Instead of fleeing, they draw near. They desire to be with those that are closest to them. They develop love and affection for them and learn to enjoy their touch and “friendship.”

This transformation mirrors the life of someone who embraces meekness. By placing their trust in the Father, they set aside their natural tendencies for self-sufficiency or fear, allowing His presence to replace it with peace and intimacy. Like the tame parrot, they grow to find joy in the nearness of their Creator.

Meekness Reflects Christ

Meekness, at its core, radiates the character of Christ. It grows from a heart of humility, creating a fragrance of peace that sets the children of the King apart. The Lord Jesus Christ Himself described meekness as a blessed virtue, saying, “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth” (Matthew 5:5). Christ exemplified ultimate meekness—strong yet incomplete submission to the Father’s will, choosing gentleness and grace over force.

A Call to Reflect

Consider a deeper understanding of meekness. Are there areas in your life where you’re holding onto independence or striving for control? How can you surrender these to God and let Him nurture meekness within you?

Meekness isn’t about weakness; it’s finding your strength in Christ. It’s about trusting His guidance and discovering the calm confidence of a soul at peace.

REFLECT & PRAY

“Meekness recognizes that the Father is in control and whatever is going on as part of a larger plan. We all need rest, and Jesus promises to give it to us when we find our rest in Him. He will not scold us for being weak or scorn us for being foolish. He promises to gently and humbly refresh our weary souls” (Stanley).

Father, I long to be tamed by You. For me, “power under control” is a work in progress. Regrettably, it is painfully slow work.

INSIGHT

All Authority Belongs to Christ

The Lord Jesus Christ was granted all authority in heaven and on earth (Matthew 28:18). Beyond this, the Father appointed Him with the authority to execute judgment (John 5:27). He is not weak; He is all-powerful. Yet, what makes Jesus extraordinary is how He chooses to exercise His power—with perfect restraint and control.

The Epitome of Meekness

When Jesus described Himself, He emphasized His meek nature. He said in Matthew 11:29, “Learn from me, for I am meek and lowly in heart.” To Jesus, meekness was one of His most appealing and approachable traits. It was through His meekness that He invited others to draw near, assuring them they would find safety, kindness, and understanding.

Jesus does not shame or reprimand those who come to Him burdened. Instead, He tenderly meets them where they are, gently lifting the weight of their weary souls. His meekness creates the perfect atmosphere for restoration and peace.

Meekness as “Power Under Control”

The Greek word for meek, praus, captures “a unique balance of strength and poise.” It can be summarized as “controlled power.” When associated with animals, it means “tame”—an animal that retains its power but is directed and restrained. Praus embodies strength paired with gentleness and in response to the weakness of others. It reflects inner calm, patient self-control, and a serene strength that does not lash out but instead responds with care.

A Picture of Meekness

The image of a lioness with her cubs provides an excellent metaphor for meekness. Picture the firm but gentle way a lioness moves her cubs, tenderly carrying them without harming them. She possesses the power to crush in an instant but chooses to be restrained, embodying calm strength and self-control.

Proverbs 16:32 adds to this idea, saying, “Better to be patient than powerful; better to have self-control than to conquer a city.” A meek person displays strength, but it is always controlled and directed with purpose.

Meekness Versus Resignation

When we face hardships we can’t control, our reactions often reveal the state of our hearts. Some may respond with passive resignation, giving up in despair. This attitude mirrors characters like C-3PO from Star Wars: “We’re doomed” or, “We seem to be made to suffer. It’s our lot in life.”

But meekness offers a radically different path. It is not passive, nor does it accept defeat. Rather, meekness is a deliberate, active choice to trust in God. Meekness is possible because of our confidence and trust in the Father’s goodness and control of the situation.

The Path to Meekness

Meekness isn’t something we can cultivate on our own. It begins with yielding ourselves fully to the Father. As William Barclay so aptly put it, “No man can lead others until he has mastered himself; no man can serve others until he has subjected himself; no man can control others until he has learned to control himself. But the man who gives himself into the complete control of God will gain this meekness.”

Geoffrey B. Wilson adds, “Meekness is the mark of a man who has been mastered by God.”

Reflection on Meekness

Meekness is more than just a desirable trait—it is evidence of a heart transformed by God. It comes when we allow the Father to tame our spirit, redirect our strength, and cultivate within us calm confidence. Surrender to the Master who tames His children with care. True meekness, far from weakness, is strength anchored in trust and guided by grace.

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© Dr. H 2025