Why does the Bible elevate meekness?

The Word of God explores many characteristics that the Lord displays and looks for in His people. One of the deepest of these is gentleness.

In our modern culture that places so much emphasis on personal achievement and success, gentleness is often rejected. In fact, many see this other-oriented trait as a weakness. But for believers, having a meek spirit actually shows great strength of character.

The apostle Paul wrote in his letter to young church leader Timothy that meekness was a qualification of anyone who wants to make disciples and help fellow Christians grow stronger in their faith.

“And the servant of the Lord should not be quarrelsome but should be kind to all people, able to teach, not resentful. to the knowledge of the truth…” (2 Timothy 2:24-25).

As believers today, we are still called to grow in this area.

What is sweetness?

Sweetness is so much richer than most people realize, in part because it can express itself in so many ways.

According to Merriam-Webster, sweet means, "free from harshness, severity or violence; honourable, distinguished" or even "chivalrous". Interestingly, using it as a verb (to sweet) is like "to tame or raising from commonality". This involves respecting and considering others, helping them to become better.

Synonyms include compassion, consideration, gentleness, tenderness, mercy, peace, sympathy, politeness, and kindness. All of these elements describe a heart that yearns to serve others. But for this to have its full effect, we must remember that serving and pleasing God is our motivation.

In Baker's Gospel Dictionary, gentleness is "sensitiveness of disposition and kindness of demeanor, grounded in strength and motivated by love." It beautifully describes how God uses his power on behalf of those who obey him. And Jesus modeled the same for us during His earthly ministry.

Names of God that imply his gentleness

Looking at how our Heavenly Father is described in the Old and New Testaments begins to give us the impression that this attribute is active, passionate, and impactful to those who receive it.

Jehovah Rapha (the Lord who heals)

"Praise the Lord, my soul, and do not forget all his benefits - who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases..." (Psalm 103:2-3).

Jehovah-Raah (The Lord my Shepherd)

“Hear the word of the Lord, you nations! proclaim in the distant lands: ‘He who scattered Israel will gather them together and watch over his flock as a shepherd’” (Jeremiah 31:10).

Jehovah Shammah (The Lord is there)

"The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer reprove you, but will rejoice because of you with songs of joy" (Zephaniah 3:17).

Good Father

“I will be a father to you, and you shall be sons and daughters to me,” says the Lord Almighty” (2 Corinthians 6:18).

Abba Father

"Because you are his sons, God has sent into our hearts the Spirit of his Son, the Spirit who cries out: 'Abba, Father'" (Galatians 4:6).

Heavenly Father

"'Look at the birds of the sky; they neither sow nor reap nor store in barns, yet your Heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more precious than they are?" (Matthew 6: 26).

Each of these names reminds us of how deep and wide God's love is, and the power of his gentle spirit.

What the Scriptures Say About Meekness

In the books of the Old Testament, many passages speak of the gentleness of God.

"He shepherds his flock like a shepherd: he gathers the ...