Meekness As A Fruit Of The Holy Spirit

Meekness as a Fruit of the Holy Spirit

Introduction

Meekness is a unique fruit of the Holy Spirit that encapsulates qualities such as humility, gentleness, and self-control, all flowing from an intimate relationship with God. Often misconceived as weakness or passivity, meekness is actually a mark of spiritual strength—one that demonstrates a heart of humility, willing submission to God’s will, and patience in the face of adversity.

In the Bible, meekness is tied directly to godly character. It is the opposite of pride, selfish ambition, and self-will. The Bible teaches that the meek are those who are willing to submit to God's authority and trust His plan, even when it seems contrary to human understanding.

What Meekness is Not

Before diving deeper into the biblical understanding of meekness, it’s crucial to clarify what meekness is not:

Meekness is not weakness: Many people misunderstand meekness as being weak or submissive to abuse or oppression. Meekness is not about being passive or ineffective; it’s about choosing humility, even when you have the strength or power to act otherwise.

Jesus Christ, in His meekness, displayed unparalleled strength, yet He did not lash out or retaliate when wronged. The crucifixion is the ultimate example of meekness; Jesus had the power to call upon legions of angels to defend Him, but He chose to trust God's will instead (Matthew 26:53-54).

Meekness is not an absence of conviction: Some might think meekness means being indecisive or without conviction, but this is far from true. The meek person can stand firm for the truth, but they do so with gentleness and respect, not with harshness or aggression.

1 Peter 3:15 says:

"But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear." (1 Peter 3:15, KJV)

Here, the apostle Peter calls believers to be ready to defend their faith, but to do so with meekness, demonstrating that meekness includes strength and the capacity to stand for the truth in love.

Biblical Understanding of Meekness

Meekness in the Bible is closely associated with humility, gentleness, patience, and a quiet spirit. It is not something that can be achieved by human effort alone; it is the work of the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer. The Bible gives several key insights into meekness:

Jesus as the Ultimate Example of Meekness: Jesus Christ, in His earthly ministry, perfectly embodied meekness. He modeled what it means to submit fully to God's will and to serve others with humility and love.

Matthew 11:29 is one of the clearest expressions of Jesus' meekness:

"Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls." (Matthew 11:29, KJV)

Here, Jesus invites us to learn from Him because He is meek and humble. The idea of "learning from Him" involves a complete shift in mindset—a willingness to adopt His attitude of meekness, which leads to peace and rest for our souls.

Jesus showed that meekness is not about avoiding confrontation but about how we handle opposition and suffering. Despite the unjust treatment He endured, Jesus remained steadfast in His commitment to God's plan of salvation.

The Fruit of Meekness as a Sign of Spiritual Maturity: Meekness is evidence of spiritual maturity. The apostle Paul wrote to the Colossians, urging them to clothe themselves with meekness as part of their Christian conduct:

“Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering.” (Colossians 3:12, KJV)

To "put on" meekness means actively choosing to embody it, not just as an internal attitude but as an outward behavior. Meekness isn't passive; it’s an active choice to respond with grace, humility, and patience in all circumstances.

The Characteristics of Meekness

Humility and Gentle Strength: Meekness is fundamentally an attitude of humility. It’s the recognition that everything comes from God and that we have no reason to boast in ourselves (1 Corinthians 4:7). Meekness is about being humble enough to submit to God’s will, trusting His guidance rather than relying on one’s own wisdom.

Proverbs 22:4 tells us that humility and the fear of the Lord lead to honor and riches:

“By humility and the fear of the Lord are riches, and honour, and life.” (Proverbs 22:4, KJV)

Meekness is a reflection of the fear of the Lord—a reverence and awe for God that leads us to humble ourselves before Him and others.

Patience in Adversity: Meekness involves patience, especially when faced with trials or unjust treatment. It is the ability to endure hardship without becoming bitter or retaliatory. Meekness allows a person to submit to God’s sovereignty and trust in His timing, even when things don't seem to be going right.

James 1:21 reminds us of the importance of receiving the Word of God with meekness:

"Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls." (James 1:21, KJV)

Meekness allows us to hear God's Word, apply it in our lives, and endure challenges, knowing that God is in control.

A Heart for Others: Meekness is not just about our relationship with God, but also with others. It is about serving others with humility, putting their needs before our own. Meekness is also reflected in how we handle conflicts, whether in the church or with others. A meek person does not seek to elevate themselves but seeks the welfare of others.

Ephesians 4:2 instructs believers to live in a manner worthy of their calling:

“With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love.” (Ephesians 4:2, KJV)

In this verse, meekness is coupled with patience and love, underscoring that meekness is expressed through actions that preserve unity and peace.

Meekness and Its Promise

Matthew 5:5 declares a profound blessing for the meek:

"Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth." (Matthew 5:5, KJV)

This beatitude has a dual fulfillment. The meek will experience God’s favor in the present life, where they will experience peace and joy in submission to God’s will. Ultimately, they will inherit the earth in the future Kingdom of God, where they will reign with Christ. This inheritance is not a matter of earthly power or wealth but of spiritual blessings and eternal life.

Psalm 37:11 also promises:

“But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.” (Psalm 37:11, KJV)

Meekness leads to peace—both peace with God and peace with others.

Cultivating Meekness in Your Life

Pray for Humility and Submission: Meekness begins with a heart that is fully submitted to God. Prayer is essential in cultivating this fruit of the Spirit. Ask God to humble your heart, help you to see others as He does, and to give you the strength to respond with gentleness, even when provoked.

Follow Christ’s Example of Humility: Jesus is our ultimate example of meekness. He submitted to God's will and served others with love and compassion. Reflect on His life, meditate on His humility, and ask the Holy Spirit to help you imitate His attitude.

Respond with Patience and Self-Control: Meekness is particularly evident when you are wronged or treated unfairly. When facing challenges, practice restraint, trust in God’s justice, and allow Him to be your defender.

Serve Others with Humility: Look for opportunities to serve others, whether in the church or in the community. Meekness involves not seeking recognition or praise but serving others selflessly, just as Jesus did.

Conclusion

Meekness is a vital and powerful fruit of the Holy Spirit. It is not about passivity or weakness but about choosing humility, gentleness, and self-control in response to life’s challenges. Meekness reflects the very nature of Christ and aligns us with God’s will, making it essential for every believer to cultivate.

May we pray for and actively seek the grace to live out meekness in our daily lives, reflecting the character of Christ, and receiving His blessings of peace and eternal inheritance.