APRIL 10, Matthew 5:5

The world thinks in terms of strength and power. The non-Christian attitude is that the more aggressive or assertive or self-confident you are, the more you show your power and ability. Of course that leads naturally to you being a leader and succeeding. To non-Christians, being meek or gentle or humble is viewed as being weak and that does not lead to success in the world.

What is meekness? The meek are mild, patient, gentle. When they are threatened or attacked, they do not retaliate, do not respond with anger and do not take revenge. It is a cheerful, quiet and willing obedience to our God. It suggests a teachable and obedient spirit. It is also strength under control, by God.

Why then is our Heavenly Father asking us to be meek? Our Heavenly Father is asking us to realize our own weaknesses and inability, which in turn leads us to realize that we are nothing but helpless sinners saved only by God’s grace. And even if we are able to retaliate, we do not for we no longer think like the world.

Jesus Christ was the perfect example of being meek. He obeyed God, and did God’s will by going to the cross to die for us. He did so quietly, willingly. Jesus did not respond with anger to those who hurt him. He had all the power in the world to destroy his enemies, but didn’t. His strength was under control, God’s control.

Thought: How will I react when I am being bullied by others? How will God want me to react when I am being bullied by others?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for sending your son Jesus to die on the cross for my sins. Help me to be more like Jesus – to do Your will for me cheerfully and willingly and without complaining and grumbling. This I pray in Jesus name, Amen.