One of the beatitudes Jesus taught in His sermon on the mount is, “Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth” (Matt. 5:5).

Meekness is often viewed as a weakness by the world. In God’s eyes, it is a strength. Jesus showed meekness (Matt. 11:29), and God expects us to show meekness to all (Titus 3:2).

Meekness involves gentleness, self-control, humility, submissiveness, and mildness of temper. This virtue allows God to direct our steps. It allows our desires to be in subjection to the will of God.

One who proudly believes he or she does not need guidance from anyone will not “receive with meekness the engrafted Word” (James 1:21).

God is our Master, and we must meekly allow Him to steer us in the direction He wants us to go. Submissiveness should be applied to certain earthly relationships (Rom. 13:1; Eph. 5:21-22; 6:1; 6:5), but it must be foremost directed toward God.

Those who are meek are often belittled by those of the world (cf. Num. 12:1-3). Because the meek don’t insist on having their way all the time and show submissiveness in ways that’s proper, they are often seen as weak. God upholds those who meekly submit to Him, though (Psalm 147:6), and we must all put on meekness (Col. 3:12) in order to be one who finds favor with God.

– Michael Hickox