Over the last several months, I have been studying the Fruits of the Spirit found in Galatians 5:22-23. Each week, we’ve taken one fruit, dissecting its meaning and significance. At one point, someone observed that the latter three fruits—faithfulness, meekness, and self-control—require much more intentional effort and conscious focus in our lives.

Of these three, the fruit of meekness has particularly piqued my interest, especially as I recognize my own need for it. I learned about meekness long ago, but only recently have I taken the time to explore its definition and relevance in my life. In my earlier work, “You Call That Love? This is Love,” I focused on 1 Corinthians 13 and Galatians 5. As I reflect on those teachings, the Holy Spirit now invites me to look deeper at meekness, a fruit that demands my attention and intentional focus.

Meekness is so often overlooked. The world teaches us to fight for our rights, to pursue self-assertion, and never to let anyone diminish our worth. However, the Bible presents a counter-narrative. As Matthew 5:5 states, “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.” Someone once described meekness as “a controlled strength that involves trusting in God and submitting to His will.” This humility is indeed a valuable characteristic, yet it is frequently mistaken for weakness. Yet, if being meek was good enough for Jesus—who exemplified strength through His humility—why isn’t it good enough for me?

When I think of Jesus, I see not a weak figure, but the epitome of meekness. He says in Matthew 11:29, “Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” Jesus displayed incredible strength in meekness. He rebuked the proud yet offered grace to the humble. In my own life, I find that without the Holy Spirit’s intervention, my human nature struggles against meekness, especially when I feel threatened or disrespected.

So, what can I do? I must rely on the Holy Spirit. Cultivating meekness means recognizing how God sees this valuable trait—not through the distorted lens of society. Meekness reflects characteristics of Christ and holds immense significance in our walk of faith.

In considering the value of meekness, I constantly remind myself that my human instincts will always seek to defend my pride if left unchecked. Will I choose to reflect Jesus and embrace meekness? Do I wish to be conformed to this world, or do I aspire to be transformed by the renewal of my mind through Christ (Romans 12:2)?

Ultimately, the answers to these questions are clear to me. In moments of frustration or pride, I remember the words of James 4:10: “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will exalt you.” I see this not as a call to weakness but as an invitation to strength under control, a practice of humility rooted in the conviction that true honor comes from God.

So, how about you? How can you embody the fruit of meekness in your own life? I encourage you to reflect on this passage and ask the Holy Spirit to guide you in embracing this powerful trait, for “the meek shall inherit the earth” (Matthew 5:5)