When Jesus gives his famous Sermon on the Mount he begins with the Beatitudes, which means supreme blessedness. While most of the blessings seem straightforward one of the more confusing ones is found in Matthew 5:5. Jesus says, “Blessed are the meek.” When people hear the word “meek” they normally think weak, but actually it means strength under control. What does strength under control look like? Let’s take a look below.

Scripture
Matthew 5:5; Philippians 2:4-5; Romans 14:1; Proverbs 15:1; James 3:16-17; James 1:19; Proverbs 13:18; Romans 12:17

Verse
“Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.” (Matthew 5:5)

Thought
Jesus wants us to exhibit strength under control. In fact, when we do so he says we are extremely blessed. So, here are five exercises to help make your meek muscles grow. 1) When someone serves you, be understanding, not demanding. 2) When someone disappoints you, be gentle and not judgmental. 3) When someone disagrees with you, be tender without surrender. 4) When someone corrects you, be teachable, not unreachable. 5) When somebody hurts you, be an actor not a reactor.

Questions
Do you treat those who serve you with kindness or do you take them for granted? How do you normally respond when someone disappoints you? Are you the type of person who can agree to disagree? Can you disagree without being disagreeable? Would others say you have a teachable spirit? When someone hurts you do you want to pay them back?

Response
Take some time this week to evaluate your emotional responses to those around you. Are you responding with meekness or weakness?

Prayer
Gracious God, we pray that you would help us grow in the area of meekness. The idea of strength under control at times seems contrary to how the world responds. Help us to be more like Jesus. In Jesus Name I pray, amen.