THE WORD: A divine inheritance

“Meekness” by Eustache Le Sueur (1650) is part of the Charles H. and Mary F. S. Worcester Collection at the Art Institute, Chicago (Public Domain)

The Fruit of the Spirit

The eighth element of the Fruit of the Spirit is meekness, also known as gentleness. From Psalms to the Beatitudes, we are told the meek are blessed and shall inherit the earth. Meekness does not mean weakness, but rather a quality of strength under control. The overlap between the terms included in the Fruit of the Spirit should be evident, as meekness includes peace, love, longsuffering and — most importantly — faith.

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Meekness is not celebrated in our modern society. America projects pride, power and assertiveness. We often celebrate these characteristics as virtues — and they are in the proper context. But, meekness — especially in today’s America — requires strength. Meekness means you are strong enough to celebrate the victories of others, can take pride in the success of a colleague and are willing to yield to the needs of others.

Psalms 37:11

11 But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.