Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today- December 6, 2010
“Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.” Matthew 5:5
The meek are marked by the same quality of their gentle Savior, Jesus. Before Christ, our meekness is considered weakness, but after Christ, it is admired as strength. The meek can be happy and content because their quiet confidence is in Christ. Meekness is meant to make the man or woman of God more like their Lord Jesus. It invites God’s blessing.
Jesus described His own character when He said, “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls” (Matthew 11:29).
What does it mean to be gentle like Jesus? It is a disposition that does not always have to be right—it is showing patience while wisdom proves itself over time. Gentleness has the unique ability to boldly but directly confront injustice and lies—all with respect and honor. The recipient of its reproof feels loved and is captured by its grace-filled demeanor. Indeed, the gentle are happy—they feel no need to prove themselves, only to promote Jesus.
Do you strive to force your opinion on others or do you patiently persuade them in prayer? Meekness is what makes a marriage beautiful to behold. It attracts friends, solicits respect and invites admirers from a distant. It is not high minded, nor does it seek revenge. Meekness, on the surface, seems easy to take advantage of, but its secret is to rest in the Lord’s might.
For example Scripture teaches that husbands are won over by, “The unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight” (1 Peter 3:4b). Nagging on him gets a short-term guilt motivated response, but bragging on him gets a long-term grace motivated response. Men respond to gentle women because it communicates respect.
Women are attracted to gentle men because it communicates care and sensitivity. Loving her conditionally gets a guarded response, but loving her unconditionally gets an unrestrained response. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control” (Galatians 5:22-23a).
Lastly, your meekness qualifies you to enjoy the beauty and provision of God’s good earth. Just as He gave the land of Canaan to the broken Israelites and the new world to the persecuted Puritans, so He gives you what you need from the earth’s resources. Happy are the meek because they are in a position to steward well the Lord’s provisions.
“A little while, and the wicked will be no more; though you look for them, they will not be found. But the meek will inherit the land and enjoy peace and prosperity” (Psalm 37:10-11).
How can I apply gentleness in my life and work? Who needs a gentle word from me?
Related Readings: Zephaniah 3:11-13; 2 Corinthians 10:1; Titus 3:1-2; 1 Peter 2:19-22
Boyd Bailey is the author of Wisdom Hunters daily devotional and two devotional books, Infusion and Seeking Daily the Heart of God
