Now first it’s important to understand that meek does not mean weak.
the gentle
The Greek word praeis is translated meek in KJV was often used to describe a gentle breeze as opposed to a fierce biting wind, or a horse that was well-trained and under control. When it is applied to human temperament, it describes a mental calmness and composure, an even temper even in difficult situations. Meekness to the Greeks was based on discipline and self-control which was the result of good upbringing or so, it was considered an achievement. Instead of an outward quality to be displayed to others, meekness in the Bible is about who you are on the inside. Meekness in the Bible is a quality of character that comes about because of our relationship with God, and the renewed nature of our heart in Christ. And a new nature in submission to God.
Why is meekness necessary in the Christian Life?
In Meekness, we follow the example of Jesus
Jesus had control of His power and did not use it for his own needs but always did the will of the Father. When Satan came to him to tempt him, Jesus would not use his power for his own needs saying “man does not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God”. Jesus did something that we might never describe as meek when He cleansed the temple and drove out the money-changers with a whip, but He did it out of zealousness for God.
When a crowd with swords and clubs came to arrest Jesus at the Garden of Gethsemane, He rebuked Peter’s display of power, and demonstrated power under subjugation to the Will of the Father saying: 52 “Put your sword back in its place,” Jesus said to him, “for all who draw the sword will die by the sword. 53 Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels? 54 But how then would the Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen in this way?” Jesus chose to do the will of His Father and not call on angels to defend Him, but instead suffer and die so that we could be saved.
Meekness is necessary for us to accept God’s leading.
Jesus is saying blessed are those who, because they are in submission to God, have allowed God to transform our natures, cooperating with His plan for our lives. Blessed is the man who meekly accepts God’s leading and corrections, and even His discipline in our own lives without murmuring or complaining because we trust God.
Meekness is necessary in dealings with others as Citizens of Heaven should
We accept opposition, provocation, insult, as part of what God allows to keep us where we need to be in Him. We still deal with the weakness of the flesh and the corruption of sin. It is when we understand our own sinfulness, and mourn over it, that we are best able to bear these things patiently, forgiving and restoring those who are erring in a spirit of meekness and gentleness. Gal 6:1-2 Brothers and sisters, even if a person is caught in any wrongdoing, you who are spiritual are to restore such a person in a spirit of gentleness; each one looking to yourself, so that you are not tempted as well. 2 Bear one another’s burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ.
God is cultivating a Godly character within us as we follow Jesus.
The heart of God for people and the mind of Christ in humility and gentleness is what God wants to cultivate in us. (Gal 5:22-23) So God is producing this fruit of His spirit within us in such a way that it comes out of us in our dealings with others. When it comes out of us, the Bible often describes it as an adornment—like jewelry except that it’s not decorating our outward body, but our inward spirit—it’s attractive and precious (1 Pet 4:3-4).
God is producing character that endures, and is useful to Him
Paul, was wrongfully imprisoned, chained to guards during some of his prison stays, subjected to lack and hunger, and yet he celebrates his chains. Yet when Paul speaks to the Ephesians from his prison cell in Rome, telling them how they should live their lives as Citizens of the Kingdom, He says 4 As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. 2 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. 3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. Paul urges us also to live our lives in such a way that we are living worthy of this divine call we have received to be Citizens of the Kingdom by being humble and gentle; patiently bearing with one another’s faults, flaws, etc. with humility, gentleness, patiently enduring for the sake of the Kingdom and the bond with other Brothers and Sisters in Christ.
for they shall inherit the earth.
Psalm 37 verses 9-11 say 9 For evildoers will be eliminated, But those who wait for the Lord, they will inherit the land. 10 Yet a little while and the wicked person will be no more; And you will look carefully for his place and he will not be there.11 But the humble will inherit the land and will delight themselves in abundant prosperity.
So, one reason that the meek, the gentle will inherit the earth appears to be that evildoers will be eliminated, which is why the Bible encourages us over and over again not to fret about wrongdoers. God promises the land of Canaan to Abraham saying: 8 And I will give to you and to your descendants after you the land where you live as a stranger, all the land of Canaan, as an everlasting possession; and I will be their God.” regarding the Promised Land of Canaan for those descendants of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the Children of Israel. And to whom is the promise made? To those for whom “God is their God”. We the Church, we are the Spiritual descendants of Abraham, and who are a people for whom “God is our God” have a promised inheritance as well. In Revelation 5, when Jesus takes the scroll written on the front and the back from God, and is praised by the 4 living creatures and the 24 elders, the bible says in verses 9-10 that they sang a new song, saying, “Worthy are You to take the scroll and to break its seals; for You were slaughtered, and You purchased people for God with Your blood from every tribe, language, people, and nation. 10 You have made them into a kingdom and priests to our God, and they will reign upon the earth.” Now, your view of eschatology, or end-times is going to inform just when and under what circumstances this takes place, but whether in this earth or in the New Heaven and the New Earth, we will reign with Christ, and so, in a very real sense, we will inherit the earth. Isn’t it interesting that it is those who have allowed God to cultivate and grow humility and gentleness, and not having things their own way all of the time, end up being rewarded by God with literally everything that the others are clawing and scratching and biting each other for? God knows what he’s doing!!