Meekness is an elusive virtue that few can accurately define, often mistakenly equated with weakness. Yet, God praises Moses for being the meekest man of his time, a great leader who saw himself as a servant in relationship to God, quietly and gently submitting to His will while exercising authority in humility. The biblical meaning of meekness, as the eighth fruit of the Spirit, reveals it as a condition of mind and heart, an internal attitude distinct from external gentleness, and it is the fruit of power, enduring injury with patience and without resentment. Meekness is rooted in God's character, and thus, we must pursue it and exert effort to make it part of our own character, appreciating His good and gracious will even amidst adversity. God guides the meek, those patient and receptive to His Word, and decides fairly for those who have been wronged. Producing the fruit of meekness is vital, enabled by the Holy Spirit as a necessary attitude for understanding God's Word, and it is so precious to Him that He calls a meek and quiet spirit an imperishable ornament, rewarding the meek with peace and inheritance of the earth. Jesus Christ exemplifies meekness, maintaining peace and patience amid provocations, showing it as more than a contemplative virtue but a lived reality of humility, patience, and total submission to the Father's will. True meekness is always measured by His example. Good conduct, while not meekness itself, should reflect this attitude in righteousness, demonstrating meekness in works done with humility. We are to show meekness to all others, regardless of relationship, even when faced with antagonism, as meek correction and teaching assist God in leading others to repentance. True meekness is an inwardly developed tender-heartedness, first and chiefly toward God, accepting His will as good without disputing or resisting. It is an evenness of mind, neither elated nor cast down, not focused on self but on God, recognizing that He permits insults and injuries for our chastening and purification.

Meekness is a fruit of the Spirit, often misunderstood in our aggressive, self-centered culture where it is mistakenly associated with weakness. Yet, it is a quality of character evident in the greatest human being to ever grace this earth, Jesus Christ, and one that we sorely need today. Contrary to modern perceptions that equate meekness with being tame, timid, or spiritless, it does not apply to figures like Jesus Christ or Moses, who was described as very meek above all men on earth. Nor does it fit David, a warrior-king beloved by God, or Paul, the fearless apostle who faced countless persecutions. Biblical meekness is far from weakness, revealing a profound strength in these individuals. Meekness is so vital that Jesus highlights it as the third characteristic in His Sermon on the Mount, declaring, "Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth." This statement stands in stark contrast to the world's admiration for the strong and fiercely competitive, yet He assures that the meek are favored to share in His inheritance of the earth. This virtue, a fruit of the Spirit, reflects an attribute of God Almighty Himself, essential to being in His image and a true witness. It largely determines the peace and contentment in our lives and how well we endure trials. Defining meekness is complex, as it transcends mere humility or gentleness, though both are facets of it. It involves a correct assessment of personal rights, not a lowering of justice or standards, and directs warfare first against the evil in one's own heart. A meek person, recognizing their state as a repentant sinner, adopts a forgiving attitude. This characteristic is crucial for those who will receive the Kingdom and govern, as God governs in meekness, and so must His children. Meekness also aids in building unity, requiring us to bear offenses patiently without retaliation, fostering a forgiving spirit to prevent divisiveness. In conflict, meekness shines as a tool for resolution, as seen in Paul's approach in Corinth, where he appealed to the meekness and gentleness of Christ, avoiding harshness unless necessary. A meek person does not focus on self but on God's purpose, offering implacable resistance to evil in defense of God while reacting with patience and kindness when personally attacked. Jesus exemplified this by sternly driving out sacrilege from the Temple, yet remaining gentle with the weak, not quarreling or breaking a bruised reed. From the cross, He prayed, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do," showing meekness as a bulwark against self-righteousness and harsh judgment, while not excusing sin. Meekness enables one to bear insults patiently, accept instruction from the least, endure provocation without anger, and seek no private revenge, leaving justice to God. It brings contentment, delivering from greed and fostering satisfaction with one's portion, be it small or great. This virtue, often seen as weakness by carnal minds, is in spiritual reality a great strength, an attribute of Almighty God and a fruit of His Spirit that we deeply need.

God makes tremendous promises of blessing and reward to those who develop meekness in their lives. David writes, The meek will He guide in judgment: and the meek will He teach His way. Another psalmist declares, The LORD lifteth up the meek: He casteth the wicked down to the ground. Meekness is not false humility nor a form of pride, but enduring injury with patience and without resentment. It is first and chiefly toward God, accepting His dealings without disputing or resisting, and is closely linked with humility. Meekness is also reflected in dealings with others, often developed through relationships as God chastens us. It is lowliness of mind, putting self after others. None of us is born meek; it comes by God's Spirit and is learned as He works with us. Our responsibility in developing this trait includes stopping the pursuit of self-recognition and setting our minds on serving God. We must no longer strive for position but examine our motives, asking if they are to serve or to gain for ourselves. We should view ourselves as less than others and, most importantly, ask God for more of this fruit of His Spirit, knowing He will give if we ask. Tremendous blessings accrue to those who develop meekness. David tells us that the meek shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace. God promises a place of safety to the diligent, urging the meek of the earth to seek righteousness and humility, that they may be hidden in the day of the LORD's anger. Christ declared, Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth, a wonderful reward to those who draw close to their God and take on this godly characteristic.