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.
- Matthew 11:29 (NKJV)
In
church we are hearing a series of sermons on the Beatitudes. This week's
sermon is "Blessed are the meek for they should inherit the
earth." The pastor explained that the origin of the Greek word
of meek, which means "strength under control," has been distorted in
the English language. The English definition has developed the
connotation that to be meek is to possess cowardice or to be people pleasing.
But to be meek means to yield to the will of God, which is love, and
requires great strength of character.
In
this world there are many pressures to act out of retribution instead of
forgiveness and love. But when we act from love and empty out our own
will, we are channeling the power of God. Who amongst us can throw the
first stone and judge another, when we are all in need of forgiveness and love
for our own sins? Love, which is God's will, is the most powerful force
in the Universe. It is strength under control.
