Gentle Jesus
Jesus, meek and gentle,
Son of God most high,
Gracious, loving Savior,
Hear Thy children’s cry.
This little hymn, written in 1836, unintentionally paints a confusing picture of Jesus. Granted, Jesus did say, "I am meek and lowly in heart" (Matthew 11:29). But words like "meek" change in meaning over time.
Timid, mild, weak, and docile might be synonyms of meekness today. But in no way do these words describe someone in the first century, let alone Jesus.
In Bible times, meekness is a gentle disposition that characterizes a powerful person who remains under control. Meekness is a fruit of the Spirit. It's also the secret to having it all. That's why Jesus said, "Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth."
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