Blessed [fortunate] are the gentle [meek/humble], for they will inherit the earth. ^[1]

~Jesus (Matthew 5:5)

The domineering, the aggressive, the harsh, and the tyrannical are often those who attempt to dominate the workplace and establish their own little kingdoms. But Jesus says that it is the “gentle” who will inherit the earth, harking back to the psalmist who encourages those who have been treated harshly by evildoers. At work, gentleness and humility will prevail.

This shifts the focus from individual personal qualities (“poor in spirit,” “those who mourn”) to interpersonal attributes (“the gentle”), to people who do not assert themselves over others to advance their own causes at work.

This does not imply weakness, however, for this same term is applied to Jesus, who describes himself as “gentle and humble in heart”. Jesus was not afraid to confront the religious and corporate leaders when necessary or to rebuke his own disciples for self-centeredness. Will we be strong enough to face it at work?

Jesus exemplifies best what it means to be gentle. It takes tremendous strength to bring others into God’s will, but when that strength is coupled with a selfless non assertiveness, it produces a gentle person who can patiently endure much to bring about God’s purposes for his people at work.

• Such gentle persons “will inherit the earth.”
• Jesus assumes this gentle posture as he preaches good news, proclaims freedom, and announces the arrival of the Lord’s favor, and blessed are those who do not take offence at his gentle messianic ministry.
• Ultimately this points to the reign of the Messiah on this earth and work, but even now Jesus’ disciples have entered into their spiritual inheritance.^[2]

We will be out of step with the corporate cultures when we pursue the way of humility and gentleness. It is a harsh workplace. We will stand out. Our filter for decisions must be different. We must be ready. We may get fired for our stance.

^[1] New American Standard Bible. (2020). (Mt 5:5). La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation.

^[2] Wilkins, M. J. (2004). Matthew (p. 207). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House.