“But it is necessary that a servant of the Lord not be quarrelsome but be gentle to all, skilled in teaching, patient even in the midst of evil, in meekness instructing those who oppose you, if perhaps God might grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth” (2 Timothy 2:24-25 Mounce).
One important quality referenced here in 2 Timothy 2:24-25 involves meekness (ESV) or gentleness (HCSB). This characteristic refers to “…a humble opinion of one’s self, a deep sense of one’s (moral) littleness, modesty, lowliness of mind.” (1) Although meekness is often equated with weakness, this word is more accurately defined as “power under control.” It also describes those who choose to defer to an authority rather than insist upon doing things their way.
This usually involves a willingness to listen and consider another person’s point of view. It might also prompt us to search for areas of common interest that help promote mutual understanding (see 1 Corinthians 9:19-22). Since this characteristic does away with the harshness and abrasiveness that reflects many types of human interaction, it may serve to diffuse a potentially confrontational situation.
So a person who exhibits meekness is someone who is distinguished by the positive qualities of graciousness, courtesy, and restraint rather than the negative qualities of egotism, arrogance, and/or disrespect. Jesus makes the following promise to those who are marked by this characteristic: “Blessed are the meek, For they shall inherit the earth” (Matthew 5:5).
In fact, Jesus serves as the personification of this quality for He, “…being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death- even death on a cross!” (Philippians 2:6-9 NIV).
Therefore, it is no coincidence that the Scriptures associate this characteristic with a God-honoring life: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law” (Galatians 5:22-23, NIV). The book of Galatians also offers an important reminder concerning this passage…
“Brothers and sisters, if a person gets trapped by wrongdoing, those of you who are spiritual should help that person turn away from doing wrong. Do it in a gentle way. At the same time watch yourself so that you also are not tempted” (GW).
Finally, meekness is closely related to humility, another attribute that is often misunderstood or poorly defined. We’ll consider that characteristic next.
(1) Kenneth S. Wuest, Word Studies in the Greek New Testament [note on Colossians 3:12-13] Copyright © 1942-55 by Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co.