Devotionals from my Bible app: Meekness Isn't Weakness (Matthew 5:5)

Brief note before sharing the devotional: although I’m aware that this next set of devotionals is from Scripture that a lot of people are already familiar with, the timing of these arriving in my Bible app couldn’t have been more on-point, from a God-challenging-me perspective. The key to understanding the passage commonly known as the Beatitudes, as well as Jesus’ Sermon on Mount (or Plain, in Luke’s account) on the whole, is realizing that you have to apply this to yourself. I have to apply this to myself. All of a sudden, the tone and meaning of this passage sounds completely different.

Meekness Isn’t Weakness

Everything around us—the world, the culture, the people—tends to applaud power and strength, independence and intelligence, boldness and superiority.

But in the third beatitude—a series of promises Jesus made about God’s Kingdom—Jesus highlighted something different, saying:

“Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.”
Matthew 5:5 NIV

The English word "meek" comes from the Greek word "praeis." It means gentle, humble, or submissive; modest, mild, or unpretentious. In fact, when Paul describes the “fruits of the Spirit” (traits developed in His people by His Spirit), the words "meekness" and "gentleness" are often used interchangeably.

But, let’s be clear: If such descriptions paint a frail and feeble picture in your mind, you can be certain that meekness isn’t weakness.

Meekness is strength under control. It's power submitted to God’s authority.

Now, if “meek” isn’t a word that you’d use to currently describe yourself, that’s okay. Jesus wasn’t speaking to those who had it all together—and He isn’t expecting a perfect version of us, either. Instead, He’s extending a blessing on who His people were (and are) becoming.

God is continually developing these beatitude traits inside of His followers. He's refining, sanctifying, and transforming us to be more and more like Him.

In Scripture, Jesus Himself is called “meek.” But as you probably know, He was far from passive, apathetic, or a pushover. Instead of relying on His own power—like summoning legions of angels to avoid hanging on that cross—He leaned into God’s strength and restrained His limitless power.

Jesus’ upside-down kingdom will be packed with those who harness their strength for God’s glory and who humble themselves at His feet.

https://bible.com/bible/59/mat.5.5.ESV

https://bible.com/bible/59/mat.5.5.ESV