When Dealing With Difficult People: Be Meek
Matt 5:5Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
The word meek in this verse is defined as a gentle person.A meek person is untroubled and not easily angered. Their response to difficult people is gentleness.A meek person is strong; when they suffer injury, rejection and persecution they don’t respond with retribution, bitterness and resentment.A meek person takes on a Jesus-like demeanor when they suffer hurtful words. They find strength in God to not receive negativity and to replace it with a positive thought.Meek women understand that hurt, fearful, and insecure people say negative hurtful words.Joyce Meyer says... "Hurt people—hurt people."
A meek woman has learned to forgive and see things from the other person's perspective.
A meek person says to themselves, "What terrible pain this negative person must be feeling. I understand that is why this person so hurtful to others."A few years ago on my 30th wedding anniversary, my husband wanted to buy me a bracelet. While we were in the store, the lady waiting on us made some unkind faces and remarks toward us. Both my husband and I were shocked, but instead of judging her...we asked her if she was okay. To our surprise she told us that her dad died the night before, and the owner wouldn’t give her the day off. After that, we were able to realize that she was rude to us because she was in pain. We felt compassion and prayed for her.From then on, we decided that anytime we run into a negative salesperson, waiter, neighbor, or family member - we ask them sincerely, "Are you okay?" Most times they are not! We show them sympathy and pray for them. Most times we leave with them thanking us and saying they feel better.
A meek person puts others ahead of themselves.
They think of how others are feeling more then how they feel. They don’t dwell on how unfairly they are being treated. They understand that hurting people hurt other people.I often think when I am ignored or put down by a family member that I will not give them my happiness. I sing this song..."I don’t like it, that’s okay, I can be happy anyways".No one controls how I feel but me! When they say hurtful, angry, and controlling remarks, I say three things to myself:One: The hurtful remarks you are saying to me are not true.Two: I can see why you are lashing out at me. Because you are a hurt, insecure and unforgiving person.Three: You will not steal my joy.
A meek woman is not a weak woman.
She is a strong woman who demonstrates self-control.Only 3 people in the Bible are directly described as being meek: Jesus, Paul and Moses.
Paul says in 2 Cor. 10:1, I am meek but strong.Numbers 12:3 says, Moses was more meek than any man on earth.Jesus says about Himself in Matthew 11:29, learn of me for I am meek...
Each of these men are among the most severely persecuted in the Bible, and they didn’t retaliate when they were treated unfairly, knowing God was in control.This is one of the Bible dictionaries definitions of a meek person: They live out submission to the divine will, without murmuring. Their temperament is softness, mildness and gentleness; they show forbearance under injuries and provocations.Next time you encounter a difficult person apply meekness, be gentle with them.
Matthew 5:5Blessed (happy) are the meek (gentle).
Love you,Tami McKinney