Meekness | AdventAI

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jan 27, 1863

Meekness.

A PROPER control of temper contributes very much to the peace and harmony of domestic life. Many very honest, sober, cleanly persons, throw a house into confusion by habitually giving away to bad temper, and seem to think it no sin. The indulgence of such evil dispositions is exceedingly sinful and displeasing in the sight of God, and especially offensive in those who profess to be followers of the meek and lowly Jesus, and partakers of the Holy Spirit who is grieved at all bitterness, and wrath, and evil speaking, and malice. No temper is good but that which is regulated by principle; the best natural temper requires this regulation, and by it the worst may be managed and controlled.

If any one wishes to lay claim to the character of meekness let him search for the following evidences; and be assured that if a deficiency of either exists, he so far fails of proving his title.

1. Meekness is humble; not proud, not self-conceited, not impatient of contradiction.

2. Meekness is gentle; not easily provoked, not hasty in finding fault with others.

3. Meekness is peaceable, not eager to assert its own rights, or to justify its own pretensions, or to maintain its own opinions, or to have the last word in a quarrel.

4. Meekness is tender; consulting the feelings of others, and willing to bear much pain rather than inflict any.

5. Meekness is patient; and can endure unavoidable inconveniences without murmuring.

6. Meekness is forgiving; it is slow to perceive offence, quick to forget it, and incapable of avenging it.

In a word, if you wish to know what meekness is, read the life of the Son of God, and endeavor to imbibe his spirit who humbled himself, Phil. ii, 3–8; who was meek and lowly in heart, Matt. xi, 29; who did not strive nor cry, nor cause his voice to be heard in the streets. Matt. xii, 19; who gave up his own right rather than contend for it, Matt. xvii, 25-27; who felt for the distresses of others, Jno. xi, 33, 35; Luke vii, 13; who did not break the bruised reed nor quench the smoking flax, Matt. xii, 20; who endured the contradiction of sinners against himself, Heb. xii, 3; who when he was reviled, reviled not again, when he suffered he threatened not, 1 Pet. ii, 23; who forbore to resent injuries, Luke ix, 53–56; who pitied his persecutors, Luke xix, 41, 42; prayed for his murderers, Luke xxiii, 34; and who left us an example that we should walk in his steps. 1 Pet. ii, 21. Sel.