24 Apr Blessed Are the Meek: Rethinking Strength in a Loud World

Jesus begins the Sermon on the Mount with a series of blessings, known as the Beatitudes – statements that turn the world’s values upside down. One of these, in particular, has always stood out to me, mostly because I had misunderstood it for so long:

“Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.” Matthew 5:5 ESV

When was the last time you watched a movie that celebrated meekness? When did the most powerful moment of the story come when the hero restrained himself rather than retaliating? Our culture glorifies assertiveness, dominance, and self-promotion – qualities we associate with strength and success. Most of us equate meekness with weakness. We picture someone who’s compliant, maybe even spineless. Someone who is easily pushed around and afraid to speak up. We associate the term with a wimpy, non-achiever who is easily intimidated, dominated, and frightened. For years, I thought the same. My natural instinct is to take charge, to push forward, to be in control. If I’m even more honest, meekness was never something I aspired to. It seemed like the opposite of success. To me, meekness felt like shrinking back instead of stepping up – like letting people walk all over me, or giving up ambition.

But Jesus offers a radically different perspective, one where meekness is not about being weak, but about possessing a strength that is surrendered to God. Far from being timid or powerless, true meekness is a posture of trust, humility, and self-control. And according to Jesus, it’s the key to inheriting something far greater than what the world offers.

What Does It Mean to Be Meek?

The biblical definition of meekness is not about being timid or easily pushed around. Instead, it reflects a spirit of humility, gentleness, and strength under control. The Greek word for meek, ‘praeis’, was often used to describe a horse that had been tamed – strong, powerful, yet under the guidance of its master.

Meekness is the ability to remain calm, composed, and patient in the face of adversity. It is the quiet confidence of one who trusts in God’s sovereignty rather than resorting to aggression or retaliation. It is having the right or the power to do something but refraining for the benefit of someone else. Meekness is choosing to submit our strength to God’s will rather than exerting it for selfish gain.

This definition might still feel abstract. So, what does meekness actually look like in real life? Scripture gives us a few powerful examples.

Biblical Examples of Meekness

Moses led the Israelites out of slavery, spoke with God face to face, and bore the weight of a nation’s complaints. He could have asserted his authority countless times – but he consistently interceded for his people, even when they turned against him. He curbed the urge to avenge the wrongs done against him, and instead used whatever power he had to serve others. He was described as the meekest man on earth (Numbers 12:3), not because he lacked strength, but because he submitted that strength to God’s will.

Jesus was the ultimate model of meekness. He embodied it in its purest form. Though He had all power and authority, He humbled Himself to serve others, to endure suffering without retaliation, and to surrender His will to the Father. In Matthew 11:29, He says, “Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle [meek] and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” (ESV) His meekness was not weakness – it was power restrained for a greater purpose.

When He was falsely accused, He remained silent (Isaiah 53:7). When He was reviled, He did not revile in return (1 Peter 2:23). His strength was not in loud demands or forceful actions but in His unwavering trust in God’s plan. The meekness of Jesus reminds us that we don’t need to fight for our own way – God is our defender, and His justice prevails in the end.

And that’s where my struggle lies. I want to believe that my anger will somehow achieve the righteousness of God (cf. James 1:20). I want to take matters into my own hands, especially when I feel wronged, taken advantage of. During my divorce, this tension came to the surface in painful ways. Entrusting myself to “Him who judges justly” (1 Peter 2:23) felt impossible at times. I wanted to defend myself and even exact revenge. However, the promise linked to the blessing of meekness became my lifeline.

The Inheritance of the Meek

Jesus promises that the meek “shall inherit the earth.” What a staggering promise! In our world, the aggressive win. The loudest voices dominate. But Jesus flips that script.

The inheritance of the meek is not just a future promise. It begins now. The meek inherit peace in the present because they are not striving to control everything (cf. Psalm 37:11). They inherit joy because they are free from the burden of pride and self-promotion. And ultimately, they will inherit the fullness of God’s kingdom, both now and in eternity.

Note that the verse doesn’t say they will ‘strive for’ or ‘conquer’ or ‘earn’ the earth; they will inherit it. With Psalm 37 in view, we see that the wicked seek gain at all cost. In verse 14, “the wicked draw the sword and bend their bows to bring down the poor and needy…” and while they gain things that will bring temporary pleasure, only the meek, those who delight in the Lord (v. 4), will inherit the earth (v.11).

This promise is deeply reassuring. It means that no act of gentleness, no moment of restraint, and no quiet act of trust goes unnoticed by God. He sees it all. And He honours it. Our inheritance is not just in the life to come – it is the deep peace and freedom we experience when we stop striving and start surrendering. In the words of John Piper, “I think the promise that the meek shall inherit the earth is intended by the Lord to give us the strength to endure in meekness when the natural inclination would be to defend ourselves or retaliate or give way to fretful anger.”

How Can We Cultivate Meekness?

1. Trust in God’s Plan

Meekness comes from surrendering our need to control outcomes and trusting that God’s plan is better than our own (Proverbs 3:5-6). It means choosing faith over fear and knowing that we are held by a loving and sovereign God.

2. Respond with Grace

Instead of reacting in anger or defensiveness, choose gentleness and wisdom in difficult situations (James 1:19-20). It takes great strength to hold back when provoked, to forgive when wronged, and to speak in love rather than retaliation.

3. Seek Humility

Recognize that all we have and all we accomplish is because of God’s grace, not our own striving (Philippians 2:3-4). Meekness is acknowledging our dependence on God and choosing to uplift others instead of seeking our own recognition. It’s about knowing that in our sanctification, the Holy Spirit is conforming us into the image of Christ, which includes His meekness.

4. Rest in God’s Strength

Meekness is not about suppressing emotions or ignoring injustice, but about relying on God’s strength rather than our own (Isaiah 40:29-31). It is about laying down our burdens at His feet and allowing Him to lead us in wisdom and love.

Final Thoughts

In a world that applauds the loudest voice and strongest hand, Jesus invites us to walk a quieter, deeper path – one marked by humility, trust, and strength under submission. Meekness isn’t about being weak. It’s about choosing surrender over self-promotion and letting God be our defender.

Meekness is walking in the footsteps of Christ, trusting in God’s justice, and finding peace in surrender. It’s the quiet strength that knows it doesn’t have to fight for its place because God has already secured it.

So, where is God calling you to embrace meekness today? Maybe in a work conflict, a family tension, or an inner battle for control. Whatever it is, He sees. And He promises that the meek will not be forgotten.

A Short Prayer:

Lord, help me to walk in the way of meekness. Teach me to trust You more, to surrender my strength to Your will, and to respond to others with grace and humility. May Your Spirit shape me to reflect the gentle power of Jesus. Amen.

Let’s Talk:

Where do you find meekness hard to live out? Have you ever seen its fruit in your own life? Share your thoughts in the comments – we grow stronger in community.