Fruit of Meekness/Gentleness

I believe many will be surprised in regard to what we will learn about the fruit of the Spirit that we are looking at today. In Galatians 5:22 and 23 (KJV), “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.” In verse 23, the Greek word, prautes, is translated as meekness. Most other versions of the Bible translate it as “gentleness.”

When you look at synonyms of ‘meek’ today on Thesaurus.com, you will find words like, “spineless, weak, weak-kneed, wishy washy, soft, and milquetoast. Most people in the world have accepted these meanings of meek. However, upon further investigation, you will find, “humbly patient or quiet in nature, as under provocation from others” also given as a definition. Interestingly enough, you will also see this obsolete definition on Dictionary.com - gentle and kind.

I am excited as we begin our study today! Why?

I believe you will have a new revolutionary understanding of a virtue of God and fruit of the Spirit, which has the potential to change your walk with people in the world. Consider this, you are to reflect the nature of God through your life as you mature in the attributes of God that the Holy Spirit has brought into your being!

In this section of my post, I will be quoting the Greek scholar, author of Sparkling Gems From the Greek 1 and 2, Rick Renner. “Most people assume that if a person is meek, he must be weak. However, this is a grossly incorrect view of the word “meekness.” In reality, “meekness” is one of the strongest attributes a person can possess, because it refers to a unique strength that dramatically impacts everyone it touches.”

Mr. Renner added, “The word ”meekness” is the Greek word prautes, which describes a person who is forbearing, patient, and slow to respond in anger, or a strong-willed person who has learned to submit his will to a higher authority. This isn’t a weak person, it’s a controlled person. A meek individual may possess a firm will and a powerful character, and he may have his own strong opinions. However, he has fundamentally learned how to bring his will under control. When confronted by an injurious situation, a meek person doesn’t react with a rash or angry outburst, flying into a rage and throwing a temper tantrum. Instead, he responds with kindness, gentleness, mildness, or even friendliness. In addition, the word prautes was used in a medical sense to denote soothing medication to calm the angry mind. Thus, we see that a meek person doesn’t project the countenance of one who is offended, upset, angry, or reactive to insults or injuries. Instead, his response is so gentle and mild that it acts as a soothing medicine for an angry or upset soul in an unsettling situation.”

Continuing on, Mr. Renner adds, meekness makes you careful and controlled even in difficult circumstances. Instead of flying into a rage or throwing a temper tantrum at every perceived slight, you’re able to remain silent and keep your emotions and temper in check. Your very presence will become God’s soothing medication for angry, upset people , and you will impart peace to situations that previously were unsettling and unstable.” Not a definition of a weak, weak-kneed, or wishy washy individual is it?

The root word of prautes emphasizes the divine origin of meekness which expresses power with reserve and gentleness.

Jesus spoke in Matthew 5:5 (NKJV), “Blessed are the meek (praus), For they shall inherit the earth.” Praus refers to exercising God’s strength under His control - demonstrating power without undue harshness.

Jesus described Himself as ‘meek’ in Matthew 11:29. The Greek word used is praus and when used by the Greeks, it referred to a war horse - tremendous power under control.

As I consider the life of Jesus and fulfilling His purpose, coming to this earth in a fleshly body took more strength than I can imagine. It required great meekness for Him to take the necessary actions to accomplish His mission, as seen in Philippians 2:7 and 8 (CSB), “Instead he emptied himself by assuming the form of a servant, taking on the likeness of humanity. And when he had come as a man, 8 he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death -- even to death on a cross.” As we understand ‘meekness’ in referencing Jesus, He willingly endured the cross so that we may be saved.

Jesus spoke these words in the Garden of Gethsemane when the Roman soldiers arrived to arrest Him (at the beginning of the series of events which occurred prior to His crucifixion), Matthew 26:53 and 54 (CSB) “Or do you think that I cannot call on my Father, and he will provide me here and now with more than twelve legions of angels? 54 "How, then, would the Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen this way? " It took total submission for the Creator of all to walk in meekness, and sacrifice Himself on the cross to fulfill the purpose for which He came in the flesh.

We see further examples of Jesus displaying meekness rather than a great demonstration of His power in the following references:

Luke 4:28-30 (CSB), “When they heard this, everyone in the synagogue was enraged. 29 They got up, drove him out of town, and brought him to the edge of the hill that their town was built on, intending to hurl him over the cliff. 30 But he passed right through the crowd and went on his way.”

John 8:58 and 59 (NLT), “Jesus answered, "I tell you the truth, before Abraham was even born, I AM!" 59 At that point they picked up stones to throw at him. But Jesus was hidden from them and left the Temple.”

John 10:38 and 39 (CSB), “But if I am doing them and you don't believe me, believe the works. This way you will know and understand that the Father is in me and I in the Father." 39 Then they were trying again to seize him, but he eluded their grasp.”

We are exhorted to follow the example of Jesus in various scriptures:

1 John 2:6 (NIV), “Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did.

Matthew 11:29 (NKJV), “Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”

John 13:14,15 (NLT), “And since I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash each other's feet. 15 I have given you an example to follow. Do as I have done to you.”

1 Peter 2:21 (NLT), “For God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered for you. He is your example, and you must follow in his steps.”

As those who have been chosen by God, we are exhorted to “put on” a heart of gentleness (same Greek word as meekness in Colossians 3:12 NASB20).

We are told to take action, so we have a part to play in relation to the fruit of the Spirit - we choose whether or not we will respond with a demonstration of the fruit when facing various scenarios and situations, some of which could be difficult.

Ephesians 4:1 and 2 (NLT), “Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God. 2 Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other's faults because of your love.” We are urged to walk in a manner worthy of our calling or relationship with the Lord. We are exhorted to utilize and grow in the attributes of God which have been made available to us through the presence of the Holy Spirit and His fruit in our lives. In this verse we see we are to be humble, gentle, and patient with each other.

Then we read in 2 Timothy 2:24 and 25 (NASB20), “The Lord's bond-servant must not be quarrelsome, but be kind to all, skillful in teaching, patient when wronged, 25 with gentleness correcting those who are in opposition, if perhaps God may grant them repentance leading to the knowledge of the truth.” Understand, you will face those who oppose you as you follow the Lord.

Finally, looking at Titus 3:2b (NASB20),we are encouraged to, ”be gentle, showing every consideration for all people.”

The church has been given great power through the Holy Spirit to accomplish the work we have been called to do. For us to be able to be successful in accomplishing the purpose God has for our lives, we must work in conjunction with the Holy Spirit and the revelation of the virtues or fruit of God that the Spirit invades our lives with when we become a child of God.

In order for us to use that power benefically, it must be applied with the meekness or gentleness that only the Holy Spirit can give. Remember, the meekness or gentleness of the Lord is one of the strongest attributes you can possess. With the meekness of the Lord, you have controlled strength which will impart peace to unstable and unsettling circumstances. Meekness is power with reserve and gentleness; it is exercising God’s strength under His control!

Be meek!

Be gentle!

Exhibit meekness - tremendous power under control!