Moderate your expectations of others
“He knows our frame; he remembers that we are dust” (Psa. 103:14). If God remembers our frailty, we should remember the frailty of others. Every Christian is a sinner in the process of recovery. If you moderate your expectations of others, you will grow in meekness.
Find joy in the evidence of God’s graces
“If there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things” (Phil. 4:8). Christians are like houses at different stages of construction. Some have walls, others just a floor, and some are only a hole in the ground. None of us are yet what we will be; but all of us will one day be complete. Rejoice at every evidence of progress. Find joy in what God is doing in others.
Remember how much you have been forgiven
“Whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he is blind, having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins” (2 Pet. 1:9). Peter lists the qualities of a growing walk with Jesus. He then warns not to forget you were once cleansed from your own sins. Remember how much you have been forgiven and you will grow in meekness.
Take time before you form judgments
“Let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger” (James 1:19). Take time before you form judgments about others. David admitted, “I said in my haste, All men are liars” (Psa. 116:11, KJV). He jumped to conclusions, and this led him to harsh accusations. Spurgeon quipped, “Little pots soon boil over.”
Ask God to give you meekness
“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him” (James 1:5). Ask God to give you a gentle and quiet spirit. “Form a reflection of your meek Son Jesus in me today.”
Which of these five can you start working on today?