“Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth”. – Matthew 5:5
“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbour and hate your enemy’. But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven…” – Matthew 43-45
The true test of honesty is the opportunity to lie.
None of us can claim to be honest until we’re given the opportunity not to be. At best, we are honest by intention. Resisting the temptation to lie is, therefore, the real test of honesty.
In a similar fashion, the true test of meekness is provocation.
None of us can be meek until we are provoked to act in a self-serving way to protect our own interests. For instance, when somebody spreads rumours about you or lies to others about you, the natural and somewhat instinctive response is to act in self-defence or, worse, to react with retribution and revenge. Meekness is having the strength and opportunity to do so but the humility and self-control to choose not to.
Of course, meekness (which is often defined as strength restrained by humility) was modelled most profoundly by Jesus, who chose not to use his power or privilege to defend or justify himself in the face of false accusation or unrighteous provocation. Instead, he laid down his rights and entrusted his reputation to the Father and allowed God to be his vindication and defence.
Meekness is an attribute of the true sons and daughters of God and is key to inheriting the promises God has given you. So, the next time you are provoked by the lies, false rumours and accusations of those who oppose you, remember the words of Jesus and pray for them. Bless them and love them just as He did, and you will be true sons and daughters of your Father in heaven.
