Blessed are the Meek
The Beatitudes list the attributes of those who are children of the Kingdom of Heaven (Matt. 5:11-12). They call us to seek humility, mercy, and righteousness, challenging us to shift our focus from worldly values to those of God.
This week, we’re focusing on Matthew 5:5.
“Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.”
Matthew 5:5
In our world today, we find people telling others to be stern and forceful, believing it's acceptable to step on others as they ascend what they perceive to be the ladder of success. Those who exhibit meekness are often misunderstood and considered weak.
However, in the kingdom of God, meekness manifests true strength.
The meek are humble and gentle, choosing to place their confidence in the strength of God rather than their own. The most humble and selfless man to ever walk this planet, Jesus, calls us to follow Him as He teaches that power lies in serving and obeying the will of our Heavenly Father.
Meekness as the Bible Teaches
Here, we find Jesus demonstrating the biblical definition of meekness.
In Matthew 11:29, He also refers to Himself as "gentle and lowly in heart." This is a reassuring description because it indicates that being meek is not the same as being a pushover but is a conscious decision to rely on God's power and wisdom.
Friends, meekness is not about adopting a doormat attitude and permitting others to walk all over you. It is a realization that God is God and we may trust Him as He works for our good in ways beyond our imagination. A meek spirit enables us to face life's challenges with grace and love.
This virtue facilitates a heart that values others and aims to build bridges rather than walls. In the lives of Christ's followers, meekness signifies spiritual growth and bears fruit, demonstrating that inheriting the earth comes not through force but through faith, love, and obedience to God's commands.
Blessing of Meekness
To possess the meekness God has to offer is to place His plans and purposes before our own. Being His servants, we are to cultivate a growth mindset that nurtures strong relationships and a healthy community.
The meek are the unsung heroes of the faith. Men and women who have been spiritually transformed will in turn transform their homes, places of work, schools, and communities as they proclaim the Gospel and show the love and compassion of God.
Call to Intercession
As we reflect on the blessings and strengths of meekness as intercessors, let's commit to aligning our hearts with God through prayer. Ask God to place a spirit of meekness upon your heart and the hearts of those around you.
Let's be quick to cry out to God to empower us to respond with mercy and gentleness in the face of life's trials, which might otherwise lead to explosive and destructive reactions within our relationships.
Let us be peacemakers in our world and live like Jesus, regardless of our circumstances.
How can you begin to demonstrate meekness in your interactions with neighbors, family, friends, and coworkers? Ask the Lord to reveal how He might use you to build healthy relationships and promote reconciliation and restoration when needed.
Pray with Me
Heavenly Father,
We are grateful for Your meekness and for showing us how to inherit this virtue that exemplifies You.
Lord Jesus, help us to demonstrate humility and gentleness in our lives so that we may reflect this quality of Your Son, Jesus, in all that we do.
Lord, guide our hearts and minds to learn how to trust in Your divine leadership as we face life's challenges and respond with love and grace.
Heavenly Father, make us ambassadors for Christ and vessels of peace in our neighborhoods, continually reflecting the light of Jesus in a world that needs You.
In Jesus Name, Amen.