The Believer's Meekness

We have now come to the 8th of the 9 fruits of the Spirit which the Apostle Paul gives to us here; it is gentleness, or what is called “meekness” in the King James and the American Standard Version. It is the word – πραΰτης (pra-oo-tes) in the Greek. Strong’s Concordance defines it as “mildness, that is, (by implication) humility: – meekness”. Joseph Benson says that it is “calmness under provocations, holding all the affections and passions in an even balance; temperance”. Henry Alford in his Greek New Testament says: “This word seems to be well represented by meekness – again, towards God and man.” I, myself, would say, that in terms of what the grace of meekness demonstrates towards God and men, it is non self-assertiveness. In terms of how this grace is communicated towards other people, it is gentleness. In the way that a meek person approaches God and other people is with a humble attitude, not a proud attitude. As in all the other graces of the Spirit, we find that meekness, or gentleness was something that was first perfectly demonstrated in Christ and then because of His Spirit’s being given to us as believers, we too are able to demonstrate this grace to others around us. So, this evening, let’s look, first, at the meekness and gentleness of Christ. And then, 2nd, we will think about ourselves in relation to being meek and gentle people in a sense which will glorify God.