Wielding the Sword: A Lesson In Meekness
What It Is and When (Not) to Use It
A small welp escaped her adorable lips. Sadie was a fluffball of a puppy, and her glassy black eyes were a challenge to find amidst her dark brown fur. She pounced about the living room with boundless energy, the tiny sound a battle cry.
Caty held her ground opposite the challenger, her lab-retriever face cute yet intense on the pup. The only movement was the tips of her floppy black ears, pulsing with each heartbeat. All was silent until a low growl released from her core.
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.” Galatians 5:22-23 (KJV)
Meekness is one of the more ambiguous Fruits of the Spirit.
It’s not a characteristic heard or encouraged in others much these days.
What is meekness?
Let’s start with what it’s not…
🚫 A doormat or eggshell walker
🚫 Having no opinion—or having one and refusing to voice it 🤐
🚫 Humility (although it’s a close cousin!)
🚫 Passivity
🚫 Putting others first
🚫 Timidity
What meekness is…
Strength Under Control ✅
It’s like having a sword, knowing how to use it, being willing to use it, but not using it.
“Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.” Matthew 5:5 (KJV)
After the growl emerged and teeth were bared, Caty leapt into the air from the corner of the room. All four paws landed squarely in front of Sadie, who slid back a pace, expecting neither the speed nor intensity. She was 10x smaller than her opponent and was starting to feel those effects.
Just when Sadie thought her life was over, Caty leaned down on her front paws, butt in the air and tail wagging. She let out a yelp as she playfully yet gently nudged Sadie to the side. Stunned for a moment, the puppy gazed into the lab’s eyes. It was then that she realized this furry giant simply wanted a playmate, not an opponent.
Let’s be honest: Caty could’ve obliterated Sadie. Yet she chose a path of gentleness.
🗡️ What is the sword in your life?
🗡️ Do you use your sword whenever you feel necessary, or do you keep it holstered, knowing there’s likely a better way?
🗡️ How will you use your sword?