#spiritual fruit
Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. —Matthew 5:5
One problem with the English word meek is that it rhymes with weak, and people have linked the two words together for years. A popular dictionary offers a secondary definition of meek as “too submissive; easily imposed on; spineless; spiritless.” This causes some people to question why Jesus would say, “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth” (Matt. 5:5).
Greek scholar W. E. Vine says that meekness in the Bible is an attitude toward God “in which we accept His dealings with us as good, and therefore without disputing or resisting.” We see this in Jesus who found His delight in doing the will of His Father.
Vine goes on to say that “the meekness manifested by the Lord and commended to the believer is the fruit of power… . The Lord was ‘meek’ because He had the infinite resources of God at His command.” He could have called angels from heaven to prevent His crucifixion.
Jesus told His weary, burdened followers, “Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am [meek] and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls” (Matt. 11:29). He was the perfect model of meekness.
When we are tired and troubled, Jesus invites us to discover the peace of meekly trusting Him. —David McCasland
Love sent the Savior to die in my stead.
Why should He love me so?
Meekly to Calvary’s cross He was led.
Why should He love me so? —Harkness
God has two dwellings, one in heaven and the other in a meek and thankful heart. —Walton
Dear God,
I feel like I have run into a wall. What is going on? Why can’t I move forward? Are you trying to protect me from something ahead? Are you trying to teach me something? Are you working on something and the time is just not right? Maybe you are trying to teach me PATIENCE!
Please help me to see your will and learn from life’s lessons. Please encourage where I am, give me patience and wisdom, and motivate me to move in the direction you want, when you want. Thank you for being with me.
In Jesus’ name,
amen.
Dear God,
Your word tells me that I will be known by my fruits. I pray that the fruit of the Holy Spirit will grow and be evident in my life, that I will be a loving and Christlike example to others, that I will have love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.
Thank you for your Holy Spirit that makes this possible, for I know when these fruits are nurtured and grown that I will be happy and content and able to reach the potential you have for me; that I will be able to minister to others through the power of the Holy Spirit; that I will be pleasing to you. Help me please to live in the Spirit, not in the flesh.
I pray and thank you in the name of Jesus, amen.
