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Are you gentle . . . 'Forgiving . . . 'Patient? 
Blessed are the Humble.  Matthew 5.3-10
 
 
Podcast: 
 
"Blessed are the poor in spirit,
    for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn,
    for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek,
    for they will inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
    for they will be filled.
Blessed are the merciful,
    for they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart,
    for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers,
    for they will be called children of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
    for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Life with Jesus is upside down compared to what the world values. 
Blessed are the Meek, for they shall inherit the earth.This third beatitude is rightly ordered and builds off the first two, "Blessed are the poor in spirit..."and "Blessed arethose who mourn..."  The first two worked out in us through the work of the Holy Spirit, enable us to have the quality of being meek. 
Take a look at the dictionary definition of the word:
Meek1
adjective \ˈmēk\: having or showing a quiet and gentle nature : not wanting to fight or argue with other people
1:  enduring injury with patience and without resentment :  mild
2:  deficient in spirit and courage :  submissive
3:  not violent or strong :  moderate
 
Probably the least admired character quality in America is meekness, as seen in the dictionary definition, specifically where it goes awry with the second and third qualifying descriptions.  While in truth, meekness represents neither a deficiency in spirit or courage, nor a lack of strength - quite the opposite.
 
The greatest Person who ever lived described himself as meek, "Learn from Me,' Jesus said, 'for I am gentle [meek] and humble in heart".2
 
Does that mean Jesus was weak?  Oh, we know well that Jesus was anything but weak or spineless.  Think of the strength and courage exhibited in the 40 days of fasting and temptation in the desert; think of how Jesus stood up to the religious leaders of the day . . . and do you remember when he went into the temple and exploded in righteous indignation?3 From the start, Jesus knew where he was headed - to be crucified for our sins. Meekness is definitely not weakness-rather, it is strength under control...
Hmmm . . . would you say that you are meek?  Are you gentle?  And along withgentle-are you humble, patient, and forgiving?  Stop and take a moment to assess yourself-could those qualities be used to describe you?  Perhaps you need to relinquish your need to always be in control.  I know that I sure do!  Feeling like I am in control is only an illusion anyway.  I think a prayer might be in order here, because Jesus said it ... Blessed are the meek.
A prayer:  Lord Jesus, will you challenge our hearts and minds by this virtue of meekness?  Will you refine us by your Holy Spirit, so that we are able to be gentle, forgiving, patient, humble yet strong?  Thank you that you call us to be thus with others-those with whom we are in relationship, and also those we meet along the way.  Amen.
 
 
 
1 - Merriam-Webster Dictionary
2 - Matthew 11:28-29 - look up and read these verses
3 - Matthew 21.12-16----What did Jesus do, and why?
6 - Barclay, A New Testament Wordbook
 
 
 
Pastorwoman Corp., P.O. Box 1195, San Clemente, CA 92674

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