Blessed are the Meek

The Sermon on the Mount describes beatitudes which are essential to a God-honoring life, and for many, the most challenging of these is meekness. The world often mistakes it for weakness, believing that the road to personal satisfaction is found in esteeming oneself, and looking out for our own interests. Yet Christ Himself clearly opposes such thinking, and teaches us that the truly blessed life is found on the road of humility. To be meek is to patiently endure personal offenses and quickly put away anger so that we are not led into sin. Yet the meek person is not totally passive. When others are harmed, the meek protect the weak and seek justice for them, and uphold the honor of God when He is mocked. Meekness is power under control; a life that is ruled by neither passions nor impulse. It is leniency toward the guilty, generosity toward the unfortunate, and a heart that trusts God to reward in His time and in His way.