Second, the meek person does not hold grudges or keep a record of others’ faults. God desires that we lay down others’ offenses. If we do this, those around us will experience the true love of Christ that we demonstrate as children of God. We will surely meet people who hurt us. So how can we forgive? Forgiving does not mean allowing ourselves to be mistreated at someone’s whim. Not at all. We must still exercise wisdom, discernment, and integrity so as not to betray the trust God has given us.
Precisely when we are treated unjustly is our opportunity to witness and radiate Christ’s light. Without being rubbed, that light will not come forth. If we do good only because others do good to us, that is not yet a beautiful light. But if we can do good to those who hurt us, to those who treat us unfairly, then the radiance of God’s love becomes visible. It is very possible to experience unjust treatment at work, in social circles, at school or university, even in the church. There, we are given a chance, as heavenly nobility, to behave like Christ—to show meekness.
Typically, we are quick to say, “I’m offended, I’m angry, I cannot accept this treatment.” Such an attitude must not be sustained. If it arises, it means we still have a self-worth that has not been crucified. When someone treats us unjustly, consider: how far can a person go in doing evil to us? Everything has a limit, and there is a God who defends us. It may be that some among us are experiencing such things and say, “I’m angry, I’m offended.” But let us learn not to fall when we face them. Patiently, God shapes us through events, including unjust treatment.
There is only one place where perfect justice is established—the New Heaven and the New Earth. There is no place on this earth that is completely just. Perfect justice exists only in the Father’s Kingdom in heaven. Therefore, we must prove the truth we possess through tangible actions. We only have one life, so we must be willing to be formed and transformed by God.
Third, the meek person is willing to accept others as they are. He does not force his garment size on another, because every person has different measurements. Jesus is a meek Person. In Matthew 11:28–30, the Lord says, “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” The Lord accepts our weariness and burdens. He does not demand we do what we are unable to do. Even regarding things we ought to be able to do but fail to do, the Lord still welcomes us. In many parts of the New Testament, it is clear how the Lord welcomed prostitutes and tax collectors. This does not mean God compromises with sin, but that He receives sinners. This is often what we fail to do.
Often, we equate a person’s actions with the person himself. We will indeed meet people who are evil and whose behavior is bad. But let us follow Jesus’ example: hate the deed, not the person. Some of us may have relatives or kin like that. We may want to distance ourselves or discard them. But if the Lord is still teaching us to receive, then we must learn to receive them. Receiving does not mean living with them or allowing evil to continue. Yet our hearts must not harbor resentment. We must learn to accept others as they are. When we can face those who are rigid, selfish, quick to anger, easily offended, or proud—and still act rightly toward them—there the beauty of Christ’s character is revealed.