Meekness And Suffering In Youngchan Song

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Youngchan Song highlights patience of meekness in suffering. He accounts that the Hebrew word ‘ענו’ (meekness) has meanings of ‘humility, hardship, or suffering’ together. The word ‘ענה’ (the root-word of ‘ונע’) specifically describes the mental suffering “to feel before the oppression of a man of power”. Thus, meekness the word ‘ענו’, presents the state of spirit in the time of ‘the oppression of men of power’. Furthermore, Song argues that biblical meaning of ‘ענו’ is not simply to have a gentle soul, but is to maintain calmness of soul in oppression with believing in Almighty God and seeking His work in patience. Therefore, meekness is similar with humility but meekness is distinctive in the light of patience. Based on these two …show more content…
As the word ‘ענו’ signifies, meekness is revealed in occasions of the suffering of the Providence. The meek believes that all events based on the Providence are good at the hand of the Lord. Thomas Watson expresses an attitude of the meek for the providence. “Let God do what he will with me, let him carve out what condition he pleases, I will submit. God sees what is best for me, whether a fertile soil or a barren. Let him chequer his work as he please, it suffices that God has done it.” Especially, Watson delineates three categories of meekness in regard to the Providence. The first category is ‘bearing of injuries’ coming from neighbors. Meekness is opposite to the fruit of the flesh such as ‘hastiness of spirit, malice, revenge, and evil-speaking.’ When he faces a conflict with others, the meek will “be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger” (James 1:19). Thus, Watson argues that the meek should ‘bear and forbear’ to others without complaining or …show more content…
Comparing other biblical commentaries of meekness, Thomas Watson particularly highlights ‘forgiving’ in meekness towards neighbors. He claims that the meek should forgive the injuries which he bore. Mark 11:25-26 says “And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.” Watson claims, therefore, the meek ought to forgive injuries caused by others as God forgives you; “If meekness be wanting … your faith is a fable: your repentance is a lie; your humility is

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