Blessed Are the Meek - The Strength of Surrendered Power: The Beatitudes Part 3

“Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.” — Matthew 5:5

When Jesus pronounced blessing on “the meek,” He spoke words that still challenge our deepest instincts. In a world that rewards dominance, boldness, and assertiveness, meekness seems like weakness. But in The Blessing of Humility, Jerry Bridges peels back our cultural assumptions to reveal that biblical meekness is not weakness—it’s strength under control. And it’s one of the clearest marks of a truly humble heart.

Meekness Misunderstood

For many, meekness conjures up images of passivity, timidity, or being a pushover. But nothing could be further from the biblical concept. Meekness, as Bridges explains, is a form of spiritual power—a quiet, resilient strength that refuses to retaliate, insists on gentleness, and entrusts justice to God.

It is the ability to bear insults without lashing out, to suffer wrong without bitterness, and to submit our rights, our reputations, and even our wounds to the Lord. This is not natural. It is supernatural. And it lies at the heart of Christlike humility.

Strength Under Control

Bridges defines meekness as “strength under control”—a phrase that perfectly captures the paradox of this virtue. Think of a powerful horse that responds to the gentle tug of its rider. That is not weakness—it’s disciplined strength. So too, the meek person has power and conviction, but chooses to restrain that strength out of reverence for God and love for others.

Jesus Himself was the perfect model of meekness. He never lost control, never lashed out in personal anger, and never manipulated others for His own ends. Yet He was bold in truth, courageous in conflict, and unshakable in purpose. Meekness does not mean we don’t stand for truth—it means we don’t stand in pride.

As Bridges notes, meekness is not about personality type. It’s not shyness or introversion. A meek person may be soft-spoken or assertive, outgoing or reserved. What makes them meek is not how loud or quiet they are, but how surrendered they are—to God’s will, God’s Word, and God’s justice.

The Meekness to Receive the Word

One of the more convicting insights Bridges offers is the connection between meekness and how we respond to Scripture. Many of us know the Bible well. We can quote verses, argue theology, and defend sound doctrine. But do we have meekness to receive the Word (James 1:21)? That is, do we come to Scripture ready to be corrected, humbled, and changed?

It’s easy to weaponize Scripture—to use it to win arguments, criticize others, or justify ourselves. But the meek come with open hands and soft hearts. They are not above correction. They don’t just study the Bible—they let the Bible study them.

This kind of meekness fosters a teachable spirit. It creates space for growth. It reminds us that humility is not just about how we treat people—it’s also about how we respond to truth.

Meekness in Conflict

Another powerful theme in Bridges’ chapter is how meekness expresses itself in the face of injury or injustice. “The meek,” he writes, “bear hurts and forgive injuries.” They don’t seek revenge. They don’t harbor resentment. They don’t replay the offense over and over in their minds. Instead, they absorb pain and respond with grace.

This is not weakness. It is strength rooted in trust. Only someone who trusts deeply in the sovereignty and goodness of God can resist the urge to strike back. The meek believe that God sees, God knows, and God will ultimately set things right. They don’t need to play judge, jury, and executioner. They entrust themselves to the One who judges justly (1 Peter 2:23).

This kind of meekness is especially powerful in our relationships—marriages, friendships, churches. We will be hurt. We will be misunderstood. But meekness chooses to forgive, to respond with kindness, and to leave the outcome in God’s hands.

The Power to Repay Evil with Good

One of the most radical aspects of biblical meekness is that it not only avoids revenge—it actively does good to those who wrong us. As Paul writes in Romans 12:21, “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” This is meekness in action. It is strength that refuses to descend into bitterness. It is the humility to return blessing for insult, peace for hostility.

Bridges reminds us that this kind of meekness is only possible through the Holy Spirit. It is not something we can manufacture. But it is something we can pursue—through prayer, through reflection on the gospel, and through daily surrender.

The Inheritance of the Meek

Jesus promises that the meek “shall inherit the earth.” This is astonishing. The world says that only the aggressive, the ambitious, and the loud will rise to the top. But Jesus says it’s the meek who will reign with Him. This is not just a future inheritance in the new heavens and new earth—though that is certainly included. It is also a present possession of peace, contentment, and spiritual riches that no one can steal.

The meek may seem to have little in this life, but they have everything in Christ. Their peace is not dependent on circumstances. Their hope is not tied to their reputation. Their joy is not rooted in winning arguments or gaining recognition. It is rooted in the unshakable love of their Savior.

A Call to Meekness

Meekness is not natural. It’s not popular. But it is precious in the sight of God. It is a quiet, steady, Christlike strength that changes the world—not through force, but through love. As we walk in humility, may we grow not only in knowledge or zeal, but in meekness—the kind that forgives, blesses, listens, and trusts.

 

Inspired by Jerry Bridges, The Blessing of Humility