This is a scene in a park near my mom’s home where she walks with her friends in Bothell, WA

Meek and Lowly 

2 Corinthians 10 

“Come to me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls,” Matthew 12: 28, 29 

I have a very clear memory of a random event as a freshman at Bible College. In the lounge there was a poster that said, “Jesus said, I am meek and lowly of heart,” (Matt 11:29). As a young and zealous Christian, I remember thinking, I don’t like it that Jesus said “I am meek and lowly of heart.” I like to think of Him as a fierce warrior and reigning King. Meek and lowly simply isn’t very becoming of Him.  

Apparently, the Corinthians were about as spiritually immature as I was because the false teachers used this description of Paul to belittle him and call his leadership into question. Many of the Corinthians bought into this line and switched their allegiance from Paul to the charismatic and articulate false teachers.  

So, Paul opens this section with a hint of sarcasm and a pinch of irony when he says,  

“Now I, Paul, urge by the meekness and gentleness of Christ-I who am meek when face-to-face, but bold toward you when absent! I ask that when I am present I need NOT be bold with the confidence with which I propose to be courageous against some who regard us as if we walked according to the flesh.”  

I had to read that second sentence a couple of times…but I believe he is saying that when he is with them, his beloved children, he prefers to be gentle and nurturing (actions his accusers used to call him weak). But, if needed, he can and will come on strong and bold in order to clearly confront his accusers, (such as in his severe letter).  

Meekness, gentleness and patience are spiritual characteristics that are often misunderstood. They are confused with weakness and cowardliness. Meekness is not weakness. Meekness is power under control. The Greek word was used to describe a powerful animal that was tamed. Power under control.  

Jesus was meek not weak. Why was he meek? Simply because he was and is the Sovereign God. Nothing is out of His control. He exercised meekness when He held back the full force of His power to judge and condemn. Nothing is random or left to chance with God. Even when it seems like He is losing, He isn’t. In meekness, he withholds judgement and punishment for a period of time with patience and love. Meekness doesn’t mean He is weak. It means he is kind, loving and nurturing to his own. But He was often willing to put forth his strength and sharp tongue toward the Pharisees who were leading his children astray. 

Paul basically said, in the meekness and gentleness I learned from Jesus, I came to you in patience and love. At the right time and in the right way, he could be strong, fearless and courageous, but he’d rather be meek and gentle. The source of Paul’s meekness was the beautiful combination of God’s Sovereignty AND love; God is in control. Also, Paul’s source of courage is God’s Sovereignty AND love; God is in control, what do I have to fear?   

When should we be meek and when should we be strong? Seek God’s guidance through His Word and seek His face always in prayer. Let James 1:19 be a guide:  

“But everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger, for the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God.”  

The fruit of the Spirit-filled life includes peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness and self-control,” Galatians 5:22. Lord, we need your help to respond to life’s daily challenges with meekness and gentleness. It’s not easy and it’s not natural. May Your Spirit empower us to do so, when we surrender to you daily…and even moment by moment. Amen!