Nearing the end of his second letter to the Corinthians, the beloved Apostle uses these pleading words: "Now I Paul myself beseech you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ." 2 Cor. 10:1.
Here was the sovereign remedy for softening hard hearts, calming angry spirits, and humbling proud wills. Meekness is a treasure to be sought. "Seek ye the Lord, all ye meek of the earth... seek righteousness, seek meekness." Zeph. 2:3.
If we feel that in us there is a deficiency of meekness, and perhaps an excess of pride, what shall we do but seek Him in whom all meekness dwells. And is it not also true that gentleness is the result of a meek spirit, the fruit of a plant rooted in the nature of that meek and lowly One, whose yoke we share?
“The fruit of the Spirit is... meekness." Gal. 5:22, 23. Paul taught the Galatians this, and then, in his practical way, bade them make use of it in dealing with a brother overtaken by a fault: "Restore such a one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted." Gal. 6:1. Meekness will aim at restoration, rather than indulge in condemnation. It will be saying, "I must be gentle, because tomorrow I may be in this same strait.”
Meekness in the Household of God
Nowhere is the need of meekness and gentleness more urgent than in the circle of fellowship in the household of God. At no time is it harder to exhibit and practice meekness than when dealing with the disorderly, faint-hearted and weak members of the family. Only by wearing it constantly as one of the beautiful garments of grace, can we expect to be able to manifest it when specific occasion requires.
In days when great gifts are so coveted and esteemed, and are so dangerous, let us not undervalue the meekness that He so highly prizes.
"Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved... meekness.... And above all these things put on charity [love], which is the bond of perfectness." Col. 3:12-14. This is the Christian's judicial robe in which forbearance and forgiveness will be granted on a heavenly scale. "Even as Christ forgave you." With the garment goes the interior adornment for the eye which looks for more than outward beauty: "The ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.” 1 Peter 3:4.
In days when great gifts are so coveted and esteemed, and are so dangerous, let us not undervalue the meekness that He so highly prizes. It is a grace equally becoming to the young and old sister or brother in Christ.
Meekness is connected with keeping the unity of the Spirit. "With all lowliness and meekness, with long-suffering, forbearing one another in love; endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace." Eph. 4:2, 3. Without these things there can be no practical expression of the oneness of the body of Christ. With them, how could heresy, high-mindedness, and other disruptive forces ever exist? The Lord knows them that are His in all the strange associations around us. If we desire to manifest to them the preciousness of the place and portion which we through grace enjoy, meekness and wisdom far beyond our natural powers are necessary and available.
Meekness before the World
If we consider the largest circle of our testimony, the world at large, those quiet virtues have their place. We are to speak evil of no man, and to be no brawlers, but be gentle, showing all meekness unto all. (Titus 3:2.) Why? Because "we ourselves also were sometime foolish." Titus 3:3.
All we possess we owe to the kindness and love of God our Savior. Who are we that we should be anything but meek and gentle? "In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth." 2 Tim. 2:25.
“But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. Fight the good fight of faith." 1 Tim. 6:11, 12. First flee as Joseph fled; then follow hard as Caleb followed; then fight as Joshua fought, with full assurance of victory.
To be meek is not to be weak, morally or spiritually. Moses, renowned for his meekness (Num. 12:3), was also renowned for his inflexible faithfulness (v. 7). The gracious lips of Him who is "meek and lowly in heart" blazed with fiery indignation against the scribes and Pharisees. We may safely follow our blessed Lord's steps, but with unshod feet, for we are prone to error. If so be that we must act in judgment, let it be on our knees in meekness and gentleness, for we ourselves need daily mercy as we need our daily bread. "Blessed are the meek." Matt. 5:5. "The servant of the Lord must...be gentle unto all." 2 Tim. 2:24.
The Young Christian