How does one balance this directive of Christ to be meek with others throughout the Bible exhorting us to be “of good courage” or “strong in the Lord and in His mighty power”? What are to make of the apostle’s command, “Be on the alert. Stand firm in the faith. Be men of courage. Be strong?” It would seem that the ideal of meekness is diametrically opposed to these characteristics. Which one is it? Are we to lay down as passive recipients of whatever comes our way or are we to develop courage and strength according to the might and power of the Lord?

The key lies in the original Greek.