Notes on Meekness (James Allen and me)

Meekness is a divine quality and as such is all powerful. The meek overcome by not resisting. The meek man is found in the time of trial; his patience is not destroyed by the foolish passions of others and when they come against him he does not 'strive nor cry'. That the meek man should be neglected, abused or misunderstood is reckoned by him as of no account and therefore not to be considered much lass resisted. To them who give him evil he gives good.

What sayest thou, thy neighbor has spoken thee falsely? Well, what of that? Can a falsity hurt thee? That which is false is false, and there is an end to it. It is without life , and without power to hurt any but him who seeks to hurt by it. It is nothing that thy neighbor should speak falsely of thee, but it is much to thee that thou shouldest resist him, and seek to justify thyself for, by so doing thou givest life and vitality to thy neighbor's falseness, so that thou art injured and distressed. If any man slander me, that is his concern, not mine. Though all the world misjudge me, it is no business of mine; but that I should possess my soul in Purity and Love, that is all my business.

Meek tools are gentleness, patience, humility, purity, sacrifice, and love. We must sacrifice self (our passions,opinions, prejudice and accusations).

Passions: keep emotions in check by forbearing (never taking offense in the first place). Think well of everyone; emotions come from thoughts and then opinions form.

Opinions: I don't have a handle on truth. Other people's truth can be different than mine. Everyone is accountable for their own choices; my way is not the only way. The only Truth is Love. God IS love.

Prejudice: Clinging to your own selfish opinions which are based on limited perception. Prejudice leads to unrighteous judgment and condemnation of others. Holding on to those judgements is pride or enmity.

Accusing: Pride is the source of accusations. Lucifer is the original accuser and he accused continually.(Revelations 12:10) Lehi worried about Laman and Lemuel because they were 1)accusing Nephi and 2) murmuring among themselves (2Nephi 1:25-26).

Humility: regard everyone with eye of charity. Sacrifice my opinions so I can love more. Truth (charity) is an unselfish, holy heart aspiring for peace with all. Cherish everyone with thoughts of acceptance. Seeing ours and others potential = dwelling in good will and compassion.

Strive after meekness! Increase thy forbearance and patience day by day. Watch thy thoughts; ceasing to have or hold any selfish, condemnatory, or retaliatory thoughts. Bid thy tongue cease from all harsh words; withdraw thy mind from selfish arguments, and refuse to brood upon wrongs. Rejoice that thou art so favored to have thine own imperfections revealed to thee as to necessitate within thee a constant struggle for self-mastery and perfection. Each trial becomes an opportunity to practice what is preached. So living, thou shalt carefully tend and cultivate the pure and delicate flower of Meekness in thy heart.

Thou shalt bless where others curse; love where others hate; forgive where others condemn.