He Does Not Break the Bruised...

Hi friends,

Have you ever been through a time in your life when you felt bruised and battered? I'm sure many if not all of us have. During those times, we really need people to be gentle with us, don't we? We don't need harsh words and forceful opinions or a lack of sensitivity. We don't need to be trampled on or broken further than we are already feeling. Unfortunately, some people don't sense the bruises, pains and trauma of others, and as a result can cause further harm through their insensitive words or actions. 

But not Jesus.

In Matthew 12:18-21, the author of this Gospel recalls the words of the prophet Isaiah (42:3) and applies them to Jesus. This is one of the many times Matthew does this as he recognises that Jesus is Israel's promised Messiah. The passage that is quoted here speaks about Jesus being God's servant who is filled with God's Spirit, who will proclaim justice beyond Israel to the Gentiles. It also paints a portrait of the Messiah of one who is quiet and gentle in the way he brings justice about. Verse 20 says 'a bruised reed he will not break and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out.' 

I find this incredibly encouraging, because I know that no matter how bruised or broken I may be, I can always come to Jesus knowing that he is safe and gentle. He will not break those who are bruised, but will rather tenderly care for and restore them to life. He does not ride roughshod over our wounds, nor does he ignore how we are feeling. Instead he invites us to come to him in whatever state we find ourselves. When I see the way some Christians behave towards others, the way I see people tear one another down in a desperate defence of a particular doctrine or strongly held opinion (particularly online!), I am saddened because this is not a reflection of the Jesus whom we serve and follow. I pray that we would learn from Jesus how to treat people with kindness and gentleness, even and especially those we disagree with. We don't know what bruises people are carrying. We don't know how close people are to breaking point. Let's follow the example of Jesus and seek to never break the bruised or quench the weakly flickering flame of others.

I created a background with Distress paints on this page, then stamped the images from Botanical Branches over the top, colouring with coloured pencils. The text was stamped with a combination of alpha sets: the new Curly Girl Alpha, along with Messy Stamped Alpha and Sunshine Girl Alpha. I used the Rise and Shine stencil to add some sunrays with Nuvo mousse, and added a few butterfly stickers to finish. 

Let's come to Jesus with confidence, even when we are feeling bruised, knowing that he is gentle with us. And let's seek to imitate Jesus in this way of treating people, knowing that we represent his kingdom here on earth.

Be blessed...

Amy