The King James Version of the Bible uses the word meekness in the 'fruit of the spirit' passage of Galatians 4:22-23.  The main difference between gentleness and meekness is that gentleness relates more to action and meekness to attitude.  It is the attitude aspect that is the focus here.

Jesus Christ tells us that the meek will inherit the earth (Matthew 5:5, KJV).  Imagine that, this very simple attitude entitles you to be a part of God’s Kingdom, for this is what the passage really means.

Society today is filled with negative and sinful attitudes such as sexual immorality, idolatry, hostility, jealousy, selfishness, drunkenness and such others as mentioned in Galatians 5:19-20.  These attitudes are the reason why the world is in the chaos it is in today.  If we practice the love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness (meekness) and self-control as stated in Galatians 5:22-23 – the fruit of the Holy Spirit – our world will be a much better place.

The only way we can effectively display these positive behaviours is through the Holy Spirit.  To receive the Holy Spirit you must repent and be baptized (Acts 2:38).  Otherwise it is impossible to attain such a personality.

One of the attributes of a true Christian is to show love for others.  True Christians are tolerant, merciful, compassionate and genuine people.  The bible teaches that we must show love and compassion for others. 

Here’s what Paul tells us in Ephesians 4:1-2

“…lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God.  Be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowances for each other’s faults because of your love.  Always keep yourselves united in the Holy Spirit, and bind yourselves together with peace.”

All this is part of having a meek spirit.

Now being meek does not mean being weak.  As a matter of fact, a person who is aggressive shows more weakness than a person who displays a gentle nature.  A person with a strong personality is also a gentle person.

The world is not going to get better in terms of the impatience, violence and hatred we see around us daily.   As a matter of fact, the bible tells us that in the last days, the attitudes of people will get worse.

“In the last days there will be difficult times, for people will love only themselves and their money.  They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents and ungrateful.  They will consider nothing sacred.  They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control; they will be cruel and have no interest in what is good.  They will act as if they are religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly…”  2 Timothy 3:1-3.

If we don’t have the Holy Spirit to keep us in check, we will become just like this – lovers of pleasures rather than of God.

Let us therefore keep focus on God the Father, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit to help us live holy and righteous lives.  Let us learn to be meek and gentle to be a light to the world and most importantly to ensure that we can be a part of the Kingdom of God.