Read for This Week’s Study: Ezek. 24:15–27, Exod. 32:1–
14, Matt. 5:43–48, 1 Pet. 2:18–25, Ps. 62:1–8.
Memory Text: “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth”
(Matthew 5:5, NKJV).
We don’t hear the word meek used much, except maybe when
reading about Moses or studying the Beatitudes. It’s not hard
to figure out why, either. Meekness is defined as “enduring
injury with patience and without resentment.” No wonder we don’t
hear much about it; it’s hardly a trait well respected in cultures today.
Sometimes the Bible translates this word as “humble.” Again, humility
isn’t a character trait seen as desirable by most cultures either.
But meekness, enduring injury with patience and without resent-
ment, is one of the most powerful characteristics of Jesus and His
followers. And yet, it’s not an end in itself: meekness of spirit can be
a powerful weapon in the hands of those who are in the midst of pain
and suffering. Indeed, the crucible is a great place to learn meekness
of heart, for through our own meekness and broken places we can be
powerful witnesses for God.
The Week at a Glance: What is the relationship between
suffering and meekness? How can we, in our own meekness and
broken places, be a witness to others? How can meekness really be
a strength, not a weakness, for the Christian?
