“As God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience” (Colossians 3:12)
Gentleness. Meekness.
In modern day English neither words portray strength or power. Instead they imply the opposite.
Gentleness. Meekness.
Doesn’t seem very American. And that’s a shame because these are qualities that are absolutely necessary for today’s America.
The word translated as meekness is the same word as gentleness in the Greek. One of the best ways of understanding meekness and gentleness is the picture of a lioness carrying her cub in her mouth. The lioness possesses all the power in jaws and fangs to kill a cub. It would not take much effort on her part to do so. But what keeps her from doing so is her love for the cub. But this doesn’t mean she doesn’t possess the power. It just means she restrains because of her love and care for her cub.
The ultimate picture of meekness and gentleness is Jesus on the cross. He did not have to die the death of the cross. At any time during his trial and crucifixion all of the forces of heaven and earth to crush evildoers was available to him. The power to do so was always and constantly available. But it was his love for sinners, his love for you and me, that he chose restraint because his restraint and suffering meant our life for you and me. He chose us instead.
That is meekness.
Power under love.
Oh man! Our world could use a boatloads of meekness. Even though meekness and gentleness may not be an American trait, let’s make sure it is a Christian trait!
Praxis: Faith in Action 