Jesus can be bewildering-
Blessed are the meek for they will inherit the earth.
Matthew 5v5
This seems unrealistic, but Jesus goes further,
Do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also.
Matthew 5:39
He explains-
Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good.
Matthew 5v44-45
When I consider how the Lord has treated me while I have been his enemy, I am humbled and amazed. I have abused, yet he loved me, though he did not leave me unchallenged. Behaving towards oppressors as I have seen my Father treating me takes faith to a new level.
Jesus’ behaviour at his trial gives an amazing insight into what meekness means. One example was his response to someone who assaulted him.
“If I said something wrong,” Jesus replied, “testify as to what is wrong. But if I spoke the truth, why did you strike me?”
John 18v23
A gentle challenge to bad behaviour.
The meek show their treasure is in heaven by how they respond to threats. Such people are trustworthy to inherit the earth because nothing on earth has a hold over them.
How are your attitudes and reactions in the face of power plays?
Photo by William Warby on Unsplash