In this series, we’ve examined the definition of biblical meekness and how it flows from the character of God. Now we come to an exploration of how God instructs us to live in light of biblical meekness. When Jesus declares a blessing over the meek in Matthew 5:5, he speaks in alignment with the rest of scripture.
Meekness in the Levitical Law
Remember that when the Bible speaks of meekness it does not mean weakness but rather the sacrificial stewardship of power for the benefit of others. That is the flavor of Christ’s meekness, not at odds with his authority over creation.
In Leviticus 19:9-10 we see how meekness plays a role in justice in society: “When you reap the harvest of your land, you shall not reap your field right up to its edge, neither shall you gather the gleanings after your harvest. And you shall not strip your vineyard bare, neither shall you gather the fallen grapes of your vineyard. You shall leave them for the poor and for the sojourner: I am the LORD your God.“
Essentially God is telling the ancient Israelites that they don’t need to “press their advantage”. He need not reap to the edge of their field, squeezing every drop out of their resources, using their power to get every last inch of ground, both literally and figuratively.
The Hebrew model for a just society was built on charity towards the vulnerable. Unlike the other cultures around them, the Hebrews were to be a society characterized by gentleness, not overpowering. Ancient cultures (and many cultures around the world today) are built on the model of “might makes right”. That is, the powerful ones enforce their will on the less powerful. God uses His power to bless and redeem His people, even when they rebel. This model was mandated to the ancient Israelites as well.
God did not mandate that the powerful Hebrews give up their power. He called them to use their power in favor of those who were vulnerable. This models how meekness plays out in society. Meekness and gentleness are traits that utilize power in others-serving ways rather than self-serving ways.
Gentle Trust Modeled in Biblical Poetry
Jesus’ words in Matthew 5:5 are echoes of Psalm 37:11, which says, “But the meek shall inherit the land and delight themselves in abundant peace.” This is in contrast to the wicked who will meet a swift end. The word translated “meek” in this verse denotes a humble spirit which “prefers to bear injuries instead of return them“. Other translations of the word include “humble” and “afflicted”. This is admittedly not the same as gentle. It opens up an interesting point however.
Christians are to strike a balance here. We cannot shun power since our God is all-powerful and has invited us into His own power, the Gospel (Romans 1:16). At the same time, we cannot kick and fight against the suffering that is sure to meet us in this life. Psalm 37 calls us to trust ourselves to our all-powerful God and boldly embrace the sufferings that we will face. When we do this, God promises that we will “inherit the land” and find “abundant peace”.
New Testament Prescriptions for Gentleness
We find gentleness spoken of quite often in the New Testament, especially in Paul’s epistles. There are many prescriptions for gentleness in the way we reason with unbelievers and teach and correct fellow believers.
But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect,
1 Peter 3:15
Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted.
Galatians 6:1
In Galatians 5:23, Paul includes gentleness as a fruit that comes from communion and submission to the Holy Spirit. James tells us in James 3:17 that the “wisdom from above” is “gentle”.
Where the Rubber Meets the Road
In the upcoming final installment of this series, we will explore how our current culture, both inside and outside the church, approaches power and how we can apply this theology of meekness/gentleness in our culture.