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Examples of Meekness in Action Among Contemporary Christians

Meekness, a virtue highly valued in Christian tradition, is characterized by a calm and gentle disposition, not easily provoked, and marked by patience under trials [3, 7]. It is often associated with humility and lowliness of mind, where individuals hold modest views of themselves and are willing to accept God's dealings without resistance [7, 8]. The New Testament presents Christ as the ultimate example of meekness, urging believers to emulate His character [1, 2, 6].

The Apostle Paul, in 2 Corinthians 10:1, appeals to the Corinthians "by the meekness and gentleness of Christ," even as he addresses their perception of him as "meek when face to face with you, but bold toward you when absent" [1, 4]. This suggests that meekness is not weakness, but a controlled strength, capable of being both gentle and firm when necessary [11]. John Gill notes that meekness involves having "mean thoughts of himself, in walking humbly with God, acknowledging every favour, being thankful for every blessing, and depending on his grace, and in behaving with modesty and humility among men" [8].

Biblical figures beyond Christ also exemplify meekness. Moses is noted for his meekness in Numbers 12:3, and David's conduct in 2 Samuel 16:10-12 demonstrates a patient acceptance of adversity, which Easton's Bible Dictionary links to meekness [3]. The cultivation of this spirit is enjoined upon believers in various passages, such as Colossians 3:12, where Christians are exhorted to "put on...humility, meekness, patience" [2, 3]. James 1:21 encourages receiving the word of God with meekness, and James 3:13 calls for exhibiting meekness in conduct [2].

Meekness is also understood as a fruit of the Spirit, as listed in Galatians 5:22-23 [2]. This implies that it is a quality divinely cultivated within a believer. It is "precious in the sight of God" (1 Peter 3:4) and ministers are encouraged to follow after it (1 Timothy 6:11) and instruct opposers with it (2 Timothy 2:24-25) [2].

The concept of meekness is closely related to humility, which is described as a "prominent Christian grace" that preserves the soul in tranquility and fosters patience under trials [6]. Matthew Henry, commenting on Ephesians 4:2, connects "lowliness and meekness" as essential for walking worthy of one's Christian calling, emphasizing mutual love, unity, and concord among believers [12]. John Gill further elaborates on this, stating that humility shows itself in believers by entertaining the "meanest thoughts of themselves, and the best of others," not envying others' gifts, and submitting to God's will in adverse circumstances [9].

Meekness stands in contrast to anger, which is forbidden in scripture and identified as a "work of the flesh" [5]. Proverbs 14:29 and Ecclesiastes 7:9 link anger to foolishness, while meekness is presented as a means to avert it [5]. The Beatitudes declare, "Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth" (Matthew 5:5), promising significant blessings to those who embody this virtue [3, 10]. John Gill interprets this blessing as pertaining to those "who are not easily provoked to anger; who patiently bear, and put up with injuries and affronts; carry themselves courteously, and affably to all" [10].

The understanding of meekness has developed from its classical Greek meaning, which could imply "meanness of spirit," to its elevated Christian sense of "esteeming of ourselves small, inasmuch as we are so; the thinking truly, and because truly, therefore lowlily, of ourselves" [7]. This transformation highlights the distinct ethical framework introduced by Christian teachings, where self-effacement and patient endurance become virtues rather than weaknesses.

Sources

  1. 2 Corinthians “2 Corinthians 10:1 (NASB) — Now I, Paul, myself urge you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ--I who am meek when face to face with you, but bold toward you when absent!”
  2. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Meekness — Christ set an example of -- Ps 45:4; Isa 53:7; Mt 11:29; 21:5; 2Co 10:1; 1Pe 2:21-23. His teaching -- Mt 5:38-45. A fruit of the Spirit -- Ga 5:22,23. Saints should Seek. -- Zep 2:3. Put on. -- Col 3:12-13. Receive the word of God with. -- Jas 1:21. Exhibit, in conduct, &c. -- Jas 3:13. Answer for their hope with. -- 1Pe 3:15. Show to all men. -- Tit 3:2. Restore the erring with. -- Ga 6:1. Precious in the sight of God -- 1Pe 3:4. Ministers should Follow after. -- 1Ti 6:11. Instruct opposers with. -- 2Ti 2:24,25. Urge, on their people. -- Tit 3:1,2. A char”
  3. Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Meekness — A calm temper of mind, not easily provoked (James 3:13). Peculiar promises are made to the meek (Matt. 5:5; Isa. 66:2). The cultivation of this spirit is enjoined (Col. 3:12; 1 Tim. 6:11; Zeph. 2:3), and is exemplified in Christ (Matt. 11:29), Abraham (Gen. 13; 16:5, 6) Moses (Num. 12:3), David (Zech. 12:8; 2 Sam. 16:10, 12), and Paul (1 Cor. 9:19).”
  4. II Corinthians “II Corinthians 10:1 (Darby) — But I myself, Paul, entreat you by the meekness and gentleness of the Christ, who, as to appearance, [when present] [am] mean among you, but absent am bold towards you;”
  5. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Anger — Forbidden -- Ec 7:9; Mt 5:22; Ro 12:19. A work of the flesh -- Ga 5:20. A characteristic of fools -- Pr 12:16; 14:29; 27:3; Ec 7:9. Connected with Pride. -- Pr 21:24. Cruelty. -- Ge 49:7; Pr 27:3,4. Clamour and evil-speaking. -- Eph 4:31. Malice and blasphemy. -- Col 3:8. Strife and contention. -- Pr 21:19; 29:22; 30:33. Brings its own punishment -- Job 5:2; Pr 19:19; 25:28. Grievous words stir up -- Jdj 12:4; 2Sa 19:43; Pr 15:1. Should not betray us into sin -- Ps 37:8; Eph 4:26. In prayer be free from -- 1Ti 2:8. May be averted by wisdom -- Pr 29:8. Meeknes”
  6. Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Humility — A prominent Christian grace (Rom. 12:3; 15:17, 18; 1 Cor. 3:5-7; 2 Cor. 3:5; Phil. 4:11-13). It is a state of mind well pleasing to God (1 Pet. 3:4); it preserves the soul in tranquillity (Ps. 69:32, 33), and makes us patient under trials (Job 1:22). Christ has set us an example of humility (Phil. 2:6-8). We should be led thereto by a remembrance of our sins (Lam. 3:39), and by the thought that it is the way to honour (Prov. 16:18), and that the greatest promises are made to the humble (Ps. 147:6; Isa. 57:15; 66:2; 1 Pet. 5:5). It is a "great paradox in Ch”
  7. Ephesians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Ephesians 4:2: lowliness--In classic Greek, the meaning is meanness of spirit: the Gospel has elevated the word to express a Christian grace, namely, the esteeming of ourselves small, inasmuch as we are so; the thinking truly, and because truly, therefore lowlily, of ourselves [TRENCH]. meekness--that spirit in which we accept God's dealings with us without disputing and resisting; and also the accepting patiently of the injuries done us by men, out of the thought that they are permitted by God for the chastening and purifying of His people (Sa2 16:11; compare Ga”
  8. Galatians (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Galatians 5:22: Meekness,.... Humility and lowliness of mind, of which Christ is an eminent example and pattern; and which the Holy Spirit from him transcribes into the heart of a regenerate person; and lies in having mean thoughts of himself, in walking humbly with God, acknowledging every favour, being thankful for every blessing, and depending on his grace, and in behaving with modesty and humility among men. The last of the fruits of the Spirit mentioned is temperance, or "continence"; and designs both chastity and sobriety, and particularly moderation in eating and drinking”
  9. Ephesians (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Ephesians 4:2: With all lowliness and meekness,..... In the exercise of humility, which shows itself in believers, in entertaining and expressing the meanest thoughts of themselves, and the best of others; in not envying the gifts and graces of others, but rejoicing at them, and at every increase of them; in a willingness to receive instruction from the meanest saints; in submission to the will of God in all adverse dispensations of Providence; and in ascribing all they have, and are, to the grace of God: and so to behave, is to walk agreeably to their calling of God; and what the”
  10. Matthew (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Matthew 5:5: Blessed are the meek,.... Who are not easily provoked to anger; who patiently bear, and put up with injuries and affronts; carry themselves courteously, and affably to all; have the meanest thoughts of themselves, and the best of others; do not envy the gifts and graces of other men; are willing to be instructed and admonished, by the meanest of the saints; quietly submit to the will of God, in adverse dispensations of providence; and ascribe all they have, and are, to the grace of God. Meekness, or humility, is very valuable and commendable. The Jews, though a proud,”
  11. 2 Corinthians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 2 Corinthians 10 (introduction): HE VINDICATES HIS APOSTOLIC AUTHORITY AGAINST THOSE WHO DEPRECIATED HIM FOR HIS PERSONAL APPEARANCE. HE WILL MAKE HIS POWER FELT WHEN HE COMES. HE BOASTS NOT, AS THEY, BEYOND HIS MEASURE. (2Co. 10:1-18) I Paul myself--no longer "we," "us," "our" (Co2 9:11): I who am represented by depreciators as "base," I, the same Paul, of my own accord "beseech you"; or rather "entreat," "exhort" you for your sake. As "I beseech you" (a distinct Greek verb, Co2 10:2) for my sake. by the meekness and gentleness of Christ--He mentions these grac”
  12. Ephesians (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Ephesians 4:2: Here the apostle proceeds to more particular exhortations. Two he enlarges upon in this chapter: - To unity an love, purity and holiness, which Christians should very much study. We do not walk worthy of the vocation wherewith we are called if we be not faithful friends to all Christians, and sworn enemies to all sin. This section contains the exhortation to mutual love, unity, and concord, with the proper means and motives to promote them. Nothing is pressed upon us more earnestly in the scriptures than this. Love is the law of Christ's kingdom, the lesson of h”
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