In our world, meekness equals weakness. Our society is impressed with individual assertiveness. Gentleness, on the other hand, is simply un-American. So, what do we do when we are tempted to eliminate our enemies rather than edify them?

The struggle between fleshly revenge and the spiritual fruit of gentleness is waged within the mind. Therefore, we must win these battles by the way we think. If we adopt the world’s view of meekness we have already lost. We must learn to appreciate the power of meekness.

The Bible is full of strong individuals who were supreme examples of meekness. Consider Joseph, whose strongest moment was when he ran away from a woman. Consider Moses who faced Pharaoh and yet he was called the meekest man. Consider Jesus, who stood for truth and righteousness, helped the weak and down trodden, and loved the unlovable. He described Himself as “gentle and humble in heart.”

We don’t think of these men as weak, yet we easily forget the impact meekness can have. “See that no one repays another with evil for evil, but always seek after that which is good for one another and for all people” (1 Thessalonians 5:15).