Meekness and Courage

23 October 19960 Comments

This lecture explains the true Christian understanding of meekness, emphasizing that meekness does not mean weakness or passivity, but rather a virtue that is integrated with courage, strength of character, holy zeal, chivalry, and wise defense of the truth.

Lecture Summary

1️⃣ Meekness Is Not Weakness

Meekness means kindness and calmness, but it does not mean laziness, passivity, or accepting wrongdoing. A wrong understanding of meekness makes a person vulnerable to exploitation, which is not the intention of the virtue.

2️⃣ Meekness Requires Wisdom and Discernment

Virtues should not be practiced without wisdom. As taught by the fathers, the greatest virtue is discernment—knowing when to be meek and when to be firm.

3️⃣ There Is a Time for Everything Under Heaven

There is a time for gentleness and kindness, and a time for firmness and holy zeal. Practicing meekness without discernment can turn into harmful weakness.

4️⃣ Christ Is the Perfect Example

The Lord Jesus Christ was meek and humble in heart, yet He rebuked sin, cleansed the temple, defended the holiness of God’s house, and bore witness to the truth with strength without losing His meekness.

5️⃣ Bearing Witness to the Truth Does Not Contradict Meekness

Witnessing to the truth is a spiritual duty. Remaining silent about wrongdoing in the name of meekness allows falsehood to spread and truth to disappear.

6️⃣ Biblical Examples of Courageous Meekness

This balance is seen in the lives of Abraham, David, Moses, and Paul the Apostle. They were meek, yet courageous, firm, and decisive when needed.

7️⃣ Strength of Character and Influence

The truly meek person has spiritual authority and strong influence, capable of standing before kings and governors and defending truth and justice without shouting or violence.

8️⃣ Responsible Meekness

Meekness does not mean avoiding correction or rebuke. It means speaking the truth in a calm, non-hurtful manner, with spiritual courage and steadfastness.

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