What Is Meekness? A Biblical Perspective from Colossians 3

August 5, 2024

What do you think a Christian should look like?

The Christian college I attended had a strict dress code: no long hair for guys, no short skirts for girls (knees had to be hidden), and definitely no visible tattoos. Maybe the intent was to promote professionalism, but it often felt like ironing your shirt made you more godly. But is being a Christian really about appearance?

In a way—yes. But not how you might think.

Colossians 3 paints a picture of what a follower of Jesus should look like—not with a physical dress code, but a spiritual one. The Apostle Paul tells us to take off the old self—anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk—and put on new spiritual clothing. This includes compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, patience, and love (Colossians 3:8–14).

What is Meekness?

Meekness is often misunderstood. In biblical terms, it is strength under control—the ability to act with power but choosing gentleness, humility, and patience instead. It’s not about being passive or timid, but about deliberately restraining your rights and reactions for the good of others and the glory of God.

The Misunderstood Power of Meekness

In today’s world, meekness isn’t exactly trending. We’re told to be bold, assertive, and never back down. Confidence is equated with volume. The idea of meekness can sound like weakness—being timid, passive, or easily walked over.

But biblical meekness is nothing like that. It’s is strength under control. It’s the ability to assert power, but choosing restraint for the sake of others.

Think of a father wrestling with his 3-year-old son. He has the strength to win effortlessly, but he holds back—not to prove anything, but to love his child well. That’s meekness—strength, fully present, under gentle control.

What the Bible Says About Meekness

The Bible doesn’t shy away from elevating meekness. It’s not optional for followers of Jesus—it’s essential.

  • Matthew 5:5 – “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.”
  • Galatians 5:23 – Meekness is listed among the fruit of the Spirit.
  • Titus 3:2 – “Show perfect courtesy toward all people.”
  • 1 Peter 3:15 – Defend your faith with gentleness and respect—an act of meekness.

Over and over, Scripture calls us to reflect Christ by living in meekness—not because we’re powerless, but because we trust God enough to let go of control.

Meekness Takes Guts

A powerful example of meekness is found in the film 42, the story of baseball legend Jackie Robinson. When Brooklyn Dodgers owner Branch Rickey (Harrison Ford) tells Robinson (Chadwick Boseman) that he doesn’t want a player who fights back, Robinson replies, “You want a player who doesn’t have the guts to fight back?” Rickey responds, “No, I want a player who’s got the guts not to fight back.”

Robinson endured verbal abuse, threats, and discrimination without retaliating—not because he was weak, but because his strength was channeled through meekness. He chose a higher road for the sake of a greater cause. That’s what meekness looks like.

Jesus, the Ultimate Example of Meekness

And of course, the greatest example of meekness is Jesus. He was accused unjustly, tortured, and killed—yet never retaliated. He had the power to call down angels to stop his suffering, but he didn’t. Why? Because meekness—his strength under control—was necessary for our salvation.

Because Jesus lived out meekness for us, we can now live it out for others. And when we choose meekness, we reflect the heart of Christ to the world around us.

Conclusion: Wear Meekness Like a Badge of Honor

Meekness isn’t about being soft—it’s about being strong enough to stay soft when the world pushes you to harden. Colossians 3 doesn’t just suggest meekness—it commands it as part of our identity in Christ. And when we wear meekness, we look more like Jesus.

Want to Learn More About Meekness and Colossians?

  • Jesus is All You Need: A Study in Colossians
    • This family devotional from The Seeds Project is great for helping kids understand biblical character, including meekness, through the lens of Colossians.
  • Colossians & Philemon for You: Rooting You in Christian Confidence
    • An expository guide of Colossians and Philemon that unpacks what it means to wear the character of Christ in everyday life.
  • “The New Self” A Sermon on Colossians 3:1-17 (below)
    • Watch this sermon from our More Than Enough series to discover how focusing on the gospel can transform your life.