Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. Matthew 5:5 KJV

Men, do you read this verse and cringe? Does it initially sound like God wants you to be weak?  Does the idea of being weak go against every fiber of your being? It should because God did not create you to be weak. He created you to be strong – physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Often, you will find that Christian women are overwhelmingly attracted to men who are extraordinarily strong in these areas, but they are not attracted to bullies. When you dig deeper, God’s meaning in this verse and the application to your life and your relationship with a woman become crystal clear. 

Unfortunately, meek has become synonymous with weak. The connotation of a word is the ideas and feelings that the word invokes in addition to its literal meaning.  By today’s standards, it is not a virtue to be considered meek. It might surprise you to know that since the original translation of this scripture into English, the word meek has shifted in connotation. A more accurate translation would be “Blessed are those who have swords and know how to use them but keep them sheathed. They will inherit the world” (Jordon Peterson on Society).

Men, God created you to be warriors on every front, and to use that warrior instinct, that raw power and physical strength, to fight with honor. But more importantly, he gave you the ability to possess physical dexterity and dominance and then put it away. Keep the sword sheathed. In other words, He gave you the ability to control your strength – in that sense, to be meek.

There is nothing more attractive to woman than for a man to be strong, and then to be able to control that strength for the greater good, and if necessary, for her good. In the physical arena on the extreme end of things, she needs to have the confidence that in a life-or-death situation, you would fight for her. On a much simpler and daily basis, you make easy for her things that require strength – opening a jar or lifting something heavy, for instance. 

In the emotional arena, she needs to know that you’re available to comfort and calm her when her emotions are overwhelming. There is more power in a man’s arms when he is using them to shield and comfort than there could ever be when he is using them to fight. When she is exhausted or sad or lost in emotion, often she only needs you to hold her and safeguard her from the world long enough for her to regain composure and gather her own strength. You are simply saying without words that you’ve got her, and she is safe to feel and express the emotions that bombard her.

In the spiritual arena, she needs to know that you’re a soldier on her behalf. You must intercede to the Father for her and, when appropriate, let her know that you do this. If you’re saying a special prayer for her because of something she’s involved in or a mountain she’s climbing, let her know. For instance, tell her you’re praying for her safety when she travels alone or for her to have wisdom if she’s facing a big decision at work. Find scripture for her and send it to her as an act of affection. Both show her that you’re using your strength to her advantage and that you’re aware and responsive to her daily activities and needs. 

When you are strong for a woman, you have championed her. Originating from around the 13^th century, championed might seem a bit archaic, but it simply means that you are prepared to take bold action on her behalf. Not that you necessarily must act, but that you’re prepared to – ready and willing.

By the way, being strong in these areas does not mean that you’re never weak or that she is not strong herself. Your mutual physical, emotional, and spiritual strength and vulnerability are things that bond your relationship and are shared intimately between the two of you. 

Instead, the lesson is that godly men are fierce men – strong warriors with the ability to fight violently in battles and realms that are often unimaginable – yet they are men who put away the sword until circumstances or God himself calls on them to brandish it. Their strength is undeniable and polished and under their complete control. Women not only recognize and cherish this, but they are attracted and even aroused by it. Besides, the Bible says these are the men who will inherit the earth.

Equip yourself with this type of strength by taking care of yourself physically and mentally and maintaining a close relationship with your Savior, from whom you ultimately draw your strength. Spend time enjoying physical activities, especially ones that double as quality time with friends or family. Release yourself from worry, anxiety, or other negative emotions by appropriately sharing and venting them to someone you trust or even a Christian counselor. Spend time in the word and prayer to strengthen your faith and spiritual resolve. Be prepared and ready to fight.

Once when Bruce Lee was questioned by a student about teaching fighting when he preached peace, Lee allegedly responded, “It is better to be a warrior in a garden than a gardener in a war.” This speaks volumes to godly men who have been called on throughout history to step up to a battle, who are created with strong and violent propensity, to reconcile their abilities with their behavior. Be a warrior. Be her champion.