The apostle Paul admonished true Christians to "walk in the Spirit" and if we do then we will "not fulfill the lust of the flesh" (Galatians 5:16.) So how do we walk in the Spirit? Paul continues in the next five verses in telling us what the "works of the flesh" are and then he answers the question of how do we walk in the Spirit when he says: "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, {23} gentleness (meekness - KJV), self-control. Against such there is no law" (Galatians 5:22-23.)

Let’s take a look at ‘meekness’ which is the eighth in the list of the fruits of the Spirit.

The Greek word for ‘gentleness’ or ‘meekness’ in this verse is ‘praiotes’ from Strong’s Concordance # 4236 "gentleness by implying humility, meekness, mildness."

Webster’s Dictionary defines the word "meekness" as: "enduring injury with patience and without resentment: mild; deficient in spirit and courage: submissive; not violent or strong: moderate."

Gentleness and meekness is the opposite of self-assertiveness and self-interest. It is being humble not occupied with the self.

Jesus was sent to the earth by God the Father to die and pay for the sins of every human being that has ever lived or will ever live so that they may have eternal life (John 3:16.)

Let’s notice what the apostle Paul said about the meekness and humility of Jesus: "Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, {6} who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, {7} but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. {8} And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross" (Philippians 2:5-8.)

The prophet Isaiah also wrote of Jesus’ meekness: "Surely He has borne our griefs And carried our sorrows; Yet we esteemed Him stricken, Smitten by God, and afflicted" (Isaiah 53:4.) "He was oppressed and He was afflicted, Yet He opened not His mouth; He was led as a lamb to the slaughter, And as a sheep before its shearers is silent, So He opened not His mouth" (Isaiah 53:7.) "And they made His grave with the wicked; But with the rich at His death, Because He had done no violence, Nor was any deceit in His mouth" (Isaiah 53:9.) 

Moses was Meek

Who was it in the Bible that set an outstanding example of meekness? Let’s take a quick look at an example of the meekness of Moses.

The book of Exodus states the following: "And the LORD said to Moses, "I have seen this people, and indeed it is a stiff-necked people! {10} "Now therefore, let Me alone, that My wrath may burn hot against them and I may consume them. And I will make of you a great nation" (Exodus 32:9-10.) The Israelites had caused all kinds of problems and troubles for Moses and perhaps for a moment Moses might have pondered this offer but let’s notice what he did. "Then Moses returned to the LORD and said, "Oh, these people have committed a great sin, and have made for themselves a god of gold! {32} "Yet now, if You will forgive their sin; but if not, I pray, blot me out of Your book which You have written" (Exodus 32:31-32.)

Notice that Moses didn’t think about himself, he was concerned about the people of Israel and their future to the point that he was willing to give up his eternal life if God was not willing to spare Israel.

The Bible records the following about Moses: "Now the man Moses was very meek, above all the men which were upon the face of the earth" (Numbers 12:3 KJV.)

Be Meek

Let’s look at a few ways in how we can apply this character trait of meekness in our lives. Let’s notice how we should interact with other people: " Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; {13} bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do" (Colossians 3:12-13.)

Let’s not judge nor condemn but do good to all: "Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness (meekness), considering yourself lest you also be tempted" (Galatians 6:1.)

If you have a problem controlling your tongue or wanting to argue, keep the following point in mind: "To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, showing all meekness unto all men" (Titus 3:2 KJV.)

Keep the following point in mind if you have the opportunity to teach God’s truth to others: "But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear" (1 Peter 3:15.)

We should be wise and always set a right example: "Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom" (James 3:13.)

In Conclusion: Many people falsely assume that meekness is synonymous with weakness but when we think of the word "meekness", what verse from the Bible comes to mind? "Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth" (Matthew 5:5 KJV). Meekness has a reward associated with it and it involves spending one thousand years ruling and reigning with Jesus Christ on the earth in the kingdom of God (Rev. 5:10, 19:16.)

We need to be meek, gentle and humble and submit to God and keep His Commandments and live His way of life.

We need to go to God the Father in prayer and ask Him for the fruit of His Spirit: Meekness.