Nearing the end of his second letter to the Corinthians, the beloved Apostle uses these pleading words: "Now I Paul myself beseech you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ" (2 Cor. 10:1).
Here was the sovereign remedy for softening hard hearts, calming angry spirits, and humbling proud wills.
Meekness is a treasure to be sought.
"Seek ye the LORD, all ye meek of the earth;... seek righteousness, seek meekness" (Zeph. 2:3).
If we feel that in us there is a deficiency of meekness, and perhaps some pride, what shall we do but seek Him in whom all meekness dwells? And is it not also true that gentleness is the result of a meek spirit, the fruit of a plant rooted in the nature of that meek and lowly One whose yoke we share?
"The fruit of the Spirit is... meekness" (Gal. b:22, 23).
Thus Paul taught the Galatians, and then in his practical way bids them make use of it in dealing with a brother overtaken by a fault:
"Restore such a one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted" (Gal. 6:1).
Meekness will aim at restoration, rather than indulge in condemnation. It will be saying, I must be gentle, because tomorrow I may be in this same strait.
Nowhere is the need of meekness and gentleness more urgent than in the household of God. At no time is it harder to exhibit and practice meekness than when dealing with the disorderly, fainthearted, and weak members of the family. Only by wearing it constantly as one of the beautiful garments of grace, can we expect to be able to manifest it when specific occasion requires.
"Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved,... meekness.... And above all these things put on charity [love], which is the bond of perfectness" (Col. 3:12-14).
This is the Christian's judicial robe in which forbearance and forgiveness will be granted on a heavenly scale. "Even as Christ forgave you."
With the garment goes the interior adornment, for the eye which looks for more than outward beauty:
"The ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price" (1 Pet. 3:4).
In days when great gifts are so coveted and esteemed, and are so dangerous, let us not undervalue what He so highly prizes. It is a grace equally becoming to the young and old sister or brother in Christ.
Meekness is connected with keeping "the unity of the Spirit."
"With all lowliness and meekness, with long-suffering, forbearing one another in love; endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace" (Eph. 4:2, 3).
Without these things there can be no practical expression of the oneness of the body of Christ. With them, how could heresy, high-mindedness, and other disruptive forces ever exist? The Lord knows them that are His. If we desire to manifest to them the preciousness of the place and portion which we, through grace, enjoy, meekness and wisdom far beyond our natural powers are necessary and available.
And if we consider the largest circle of our testimony, that is, the world at large, those quiet virtues have their place. We are "To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, showing all meekness unto all men." Titus 3:2. Why? Because "We ourselves also were sometime foolish" (v. 3).
All we possess we owe to the kindness and love of God our Savior. Who are we that we should be anything but meek and gentle?
"In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth." 2 Tim. 2:25.
"But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. Fight the good fight of faith" (1 Tim. 6:11, 12).
First flee as Joseph fled (Gen. 39); then follow hard as Caleb followed; then fight as Joshua fought, with full assurance of victory.
To be meek is not to be weak, morally or spiritually. Moses, renowned for his meekness (Numb. 12:3), was also renowned for his inflexible faithfulness (v. 7). The gracious lips of Him who is "meek and lowly in heart," blazed with fiery indignation against the scribes and Pharisees. We may safely follow our blessed Lord's steps, but with unshod feet, for we are prone to error. If so be that we must act in judgment, let it be on our knees in meekness and gentleness, for we ourselves need daily mercy as we need our daily bread.
"Blessed are the meek" (Matt. 5:5).
"The servant of the Lord must... be gentle unto all" (2 Tim. 2:24).
"O patient, spotless One,
Our hearts in meekness train,
To bear Thy yoke, and learn of Thee,
That we may rest obtain."
"Your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.... Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof." Matt. 6:32, 34.
The anxiety that dreads an evil thing on the morrow is nothing but unbelief. When tomorrow comes, the evil may not be there; if it comes, God will be there too. When the heart bows to the will of God about some sorrow that we dread, how often a sorrow is taken away, and the Lord meets us with unexpected kindness and goodness. He is able to make even the sorrow to be all blessing. Whatever be His will, it is good.