Happy are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Meekness is often confused with weakness, but a gentle, self-controlled individual is generally admired. Jesus encourages meekness with the promise of benefit here on earth – not just an after-life blessing. Meekness implies submission to God as that submission will be most beneficial in one being able to manage one’s anger.
Meekness implies a calm spirit, one not easily provoked, not given to excessive/ unhealthy anger. Proverbs 15:1 tells us that a soft or gentle answer turns away wrath – encourages peace, in other words. So, one who is able to provide that soft answer would be considered meek. A meek person maintains control of his/ her temper even in difficult circumstances. A meek person is not week, but assertive when the situation calls for it. They are not demanding or vengeful. The payoff is more peace in one’s life and a calmness even in stormy situations which is only possible when one knows that there is a loving God in control regardless of how it may seem to us humans.
Ps 37:11 But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace. Our world certainly needs peace, calm, and cool heads. This meekness pays off in that we have better relationships, comfort and better health. Research has consistently shown that trait anger (those who are angry about many situations over the course of their lives) have more heart problems and die at earlier ages on average.
Ecc 7:8-9 The end of a matter is better than its beginning, and patience is better than pride.
9 Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit, for anger resides in the lap of fools.
Eph 4:31-32 31Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
Eph 4:29-32 29Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. 30And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
These exhortations are designed for our good.
The purpose of healthy anger is to motivate and energize us to address wrong behavior with a loving attitude – meaning that the action is intended for another’s good and the good of society. What we do not have authority to do is take vengeance.
To help us respond to wrongs appropriately, ask the following questions:
Meekness implies a calm spirit, one not easily provoked, not given to excessive/ unhealthy anger. Proverbs 15:1 tells us that a soft or gentle answer turns away wrath – encourages peace, in other words. So, one who is able to provide that soft answer would be considered meek. A meek person maintains control of his/ her temper even in difficult circumstances. A meek person is not week, but assertive when the situation calls for it. They are not demanding or vengeful. The payoff is more peace in one’s life and a calmness even in stormy situations which is only possible when one knows that there is a loving God in control regardless of how it may seem to us humans.
Ps 37:11 But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace. Our world certainly needs peace, calm, and cool heads. This meekness pays off in that we have better relationships, comfort and better health. Research has consistently shown that trait anger (those who are angry about many situations over the course of their lives) have more heart problems and die at earlier ages on average.
Ecc 7:8-9 The end of a matter is better than its beginning, and patience is better than pride.
9 Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit, for anger resides in the lap of fools.
Eph 4:31-32 31Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
Eph 4:29-32 29Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. 30And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
These exhortations are designed for our good.
The purpose of healthy anger is to motivate and energize us to address wrong behavior with a loving attitude – meaning that the action is intended for another’s good and the good of society. What we do not have authority to do is take vengeance.
To help us respond to wrongs appropriately, ask the following questions:
- Is this worth my energy? Be careful who you seek out for consolation. Venting is not helpful. It often only reinforces the irrational, ungodly beliefs/ thoughts. If it is not worth the energy, let it go and focus on doing something else while trusting God. If it is, then…
- What is the limit of my legitimate authority?Then….
- What is the best course of action given that limited authority in light of my relationship with God?
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