The Greek word for “meekness” and “gentleness” is often the same (prautēs) and means to be mild and humble.  This is a characteristic that all true Christians share because it was the character of Christ.

Matthew 11:28-29 (ESV)
²⁸  Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. ²⁹  Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

Being meek and gentle does not mean being weak.  Too many people think that this is the case.  Even Webster defines meekness as being “deficient in spirit and courage…or not strong.”  This may be worldly meekness, but it is not biblical meekness.  Meekness in the Bible does not mean to be an insecure wimp, but, rather, it means to have strength under control.  The truth is, strength is an inherent part of meekness.  You cannot have meekness without strength, and Christians are consistently encouraged to be strong.

1 Corinthians 16:13 (ESV)
¹³  Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.

Ephesians 6:10 (ESV)
¹⁰  Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.

To be in a position of strength over someone, whether it be physical, authoritative, or otherwise, and yet to treat that person with gentleness, is a sign of great character; indeed, the character of Christ.  Paul demonstrated this in his dealings with brethren.  Although he had the authority of an apostle of Christ, he generally had a mild manner in his interaction with brethren.

1 Thessalonians 2:7-8 (ESV)
⁷  But we were gentle among you, like a nursing mother taking care of her own children. ⁸  So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us.

Even when Paul was forced to wield the rod of his apostleship, he did so with regret, and only as a last resort (1 Corinthians 4:21; 2 Corinthians 1:23; 2:1, 3; 12:20; 13:2, 10).  Dealing with people kindly, and with a meek and gentle spirit, is far more effective than doing so harshly.

2 Timothy 2:24-26 (ESV)
²⁴  And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, ²⁵  correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth, ²⁶  and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will.

Today people think that if you want to get ahead, or if you want to be someone who rises to the top, you must be aggressive, ruthless, and willing to do whatever it takes to get there.  As Christians, we must avoid that mentality.  If you want to rise to the top in the kingdom of heaven, you must be humble and lowly, for, in the kingdom of God, Jesus taught that the meek are the ones who are truly blessed (Matthew 5:5). 

As you wind down for the night, think about these things