Jesus Christ's meekness and gentleness stand as profound examples of strength under control, not weakness. His gentle nature was evident in His interactions, as He gathered children around Him, conversed with them, and rebuked His disciples for dismissing them as a nuisance. Despite His immense power, He restrained Himself, knowing He must die to bring salvation to the weak, demonstrating that He is not a domineering tyrant but a meek and gentle King. Entering Jerusalem on a donkey, He embodied the image of a truly meek and gentle leader, teacher, and King. Even when foreknowing Peter's denial and Judas' betrayal, He did not rise in angry protest, showing restraint through His gentle disposition. From the cross, He prayed for His heavenly Father to forgive those who crucified Him, exemplifying meekness as enduring injury with patience and without resentment. Though masculine and firm, standing fearless against those seeking to entrap or destroy Him, His gentle nature often masked His strength, striking fear into the hearts of those who heard Him. When His disciples, James and John, sought to destroy a Samaritan village for refusing them lodging, He rebuked their harsh attitudes, reminding them that the Son of Man came not to destroy lives but to save them, emphasizing gentleness in dealing with others. Jesus Himself characterized His heart as gentle and lowly, setting the supreme example of meekness and gentleness for all to follow.

In the account of the miracle of the coin found in the fish's mouth, Jesus Christ's meekness is profoundly displayed. Though as the Son of God He is free from the Temple tax, He chooses not to cause offense, saying, "lest we offend them." He arranges for the precise amount needed—a full shekel for both Himself and Peter—to be found miraculously in a fish's mouth, demonstrating His willingness to pay any amount, however unjust, rather than provoke negative comments that could harm the credibility of God's work. This act of humility and consideration reflects His desire to avoid unnecessarily offending others, placing Himself alongside Peter as a son of the Kingdom. His example of meekness and wisdom should inspire us to act with similar grace when we feel slighted or taken advantage of.

Whether we are called to welcome others, speak truthfully, keep commitments, or guard our own speech, credibility flows from consistent daily actions. Our Lord and Savior Christ is the perfect model—strong though meek—surrendered totally to God as well as others' good. Imitating Christ consists of appropriating virtues such as kindness, humility, patience, moral courage, and unity of spirit. If we practice courtesy, sincerity, and adamantly avoid pride, we avoid worldly distractions, practicing pure speech which edifies rather than tears down. In this age of hostility, God's people should emulate Abraham Lincoln's restraint in anger, putting hot letters in a metaphorical cooler rather than send them. We need to listen well, respond to correction, keep promises, set expectations clearly, and perpetually seek understanding. The apostle Paul admonishes us (I Corinthians 14) that our spoken words must be distinct and edifying, resembling notes from a well-played musical instrument. Leaders must strive to be truthful, loyal, quick to repent, and continually motivated by unconditional love. The harsh zeal demonstrated by James and John must yield to Christ's peaceable, merciful spirit. Ultimately, as God's chosen saints, we should reflect Christ's humility in Philippians 2, placing the concerns of others over self, practicing moral strength as well as gentleness, thereby making every relationship a testimony of God's love.