Gentleness, Part 2

1 April 19920 Comments

Christian meekness is a spiritual trait that a person shows in dealings with people: gentleness in words, calmness in behavior, patience, and humility with firmness in faith. The meek person does not provoke argument nor creates problems, but passes matters simply and preserves peace of heart and relationships.

Spiritual and educational dimensions (from a Coptic Orthodox faith perspective)

Meekness is not weakness or surrender to sin, rather it is spiritual wisdom: “do not resist evil” by disputes, but avoid them, while standing firmly for truth in doctrinal matters.
God Himself is patient and meek; therefore the meek resemble God’s image in breadth of chest, mercy, and forgiveness.
Biblical examples (Abraham, Moses, Job, Jonah, Christ): dialogue with God and arguing show that meekness allows pleading and spiritual disputation from a repentant and humble heart.
The fruits of the Spirit include meekness and kindness, and these two attributes must be embodied in the believer’s speech, manner, and relationships.

Practical application in family and church life

At home: the meek person soothes souls, eases daily burdens with a smile and gentleness, and prevents escalation that may lead to disputes or divorce.
In marriage: gentleness and meekness are desirable traits in wife and husband; a woman leaving her gentleness loses her femininity, and a man leaving meekness loses the example of his image of God.
In spiritual leadership: the bishop and spiritual leader should be broad-chested and patient so that anger does not spoil their authority.
Dealing with the sinner: not frantic monitoring or self-scolding, but wisdom in correction and gentle discipline (as Paul said).

Practical traits of the meek person

Long-suffering (patience), does not anger quickly, and his anger does not last.
No stubbornness nor clinging to opinion in matters not related to salvation.
Kind in his words and features, does not wound others’ feelings nor belittle anyone.
Forgives quickly and does not keep people’s sins against them.
Does not disturb the general atmosphere nor open issues of flattery or exaggeration.

Spiritual conclusion

Meekness grants the person psychological rest and peace in relationships, and it is a blessed way on earth (the meek inherit the earth) and a virtue that prepares the soul for life with God. The believer should seek meekness not as a restraint that suffocates his freedom, but as a path to spiritual rest and practical love.

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