Being Meek Without Being Weak

Developing Spiritual Character:

Being Meek Without Being Weak:

Galatians 5:22-23 & Matthew 11:29

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

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“Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” (Matthew 11:29)

“Now the man Moses was very meek, more than all people who were on the face of the earth.” (Numbers 12:3)

Meekness or Gentleness Involves Being:

1. God-Controlled – A humble trust rather than an arrogant independence

2. Emotionally Balanced – Strong enough to be gentle; strong enough to be angry over the right things at the right time

“Just as wisdom is the right use of knowledge, so meekness is the right use of authority and power” Warren Wiersbe

“But as for you, O man of God, flee these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness.” (1 Timothy 6:11)

Fleshing Out Meekness/Gentleness

In Our Everyday Lives

1. Be Understanding, not demanding

“but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God’s sight is very precious.” (1 Peter 3:4)

“Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way,” (1 Peter 3:7)

Treat those around you with respect

2. Be Gracious, not judgmental

“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)

What is your reaction to people when they make poor choices and mess up their lives?

Whenever we feel tempted to judge another person…pause to remember how much God has forgiven you!

3. Be Tender, without surrender

“And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth,” (2 Timothy 2:24–25)

Three Possible Responses to Disagreements:

• Retreat in fear

• React in anger

• Respond in gentleness

“A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” (Proverbs 15:1)

4. Be Teachable, not unreachable

“Poverty and disgrace come to him who ignores instruction, but whoever heeds reproof is honored.” (Proverbs 13:18)

“Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger;” (James 1:19)

Two Ways To Drive Others Away From You:

• Never Admit A Mistake

• Never Learn From Anyone

5. Be an Actor, not a reactor

“When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly.” (1 Peter 2:23)

Gentle people take Responsibility for their actions

6. Be Respectful, not “rejectful”

“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)

There is a difference between Acceptance and Approval

God seeks to develop and display the character of Christ through the followers of Christ!

This takes place as we are Vitally Connected to Jesus Christ!

“I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5)

Making It Personal:

• Are you vitally connected to Jesus Christ?

• In what relationship(s) do you find it most difficult to display gentleness?

• What steps will you take to better cooperate with God in growing in meekness/gentleness?