Being meek is not being soft

When hearing "the meek" we think of soft, timid people who say yes to everything to avoid trouble. But the meekness of the Gospel is just the opposite: it takes great strength to live it. It is neither apathy nor cowardice; it is character under control. The meek person is not one who feels no anger, but one who governs it. They remain calm without becoming a doormat, defend what needs defending without losing composure, and endure without capitulating. That serenity does not come from having little temper, but from mastering the temper you have. That is why meekness is conquered, not inherited. It is the strength of someone who could explode and chooses not to; who has reasons to strike back and responds with poise. Far from weakness, it is one of the highest forms of fortitude.