Does a person have to scream and holler to prove they’re right? Must they write in ALL CAPS to get their point across?
What would Jesus do?
“He [would] not crush the weakest reed or put out a flickering candle…” (Matthew 12:20 NLT)
Big doesn’t spell best, loud doesn’t mean legitimate, and it’s not a sin to listen to another’s opinion.
I’ve read the verse about the weak reed and flickering candle a number of times, but never paid much attention to it.
“He will not crush the weakest reed or put out a flickering candle…” (Matthew 12:20 NLT)
But the Spirit of God showed me just how important the verse is if I’m going to walk like the Savior, which includes walking in the Spirit.
If there was ever a Person Who had the right to blast away at anyone and everyone, it was the Son of God.
If anyone had the resources to prove His point, in no uncertain terms, it was Jesus.
But how did He react when questioned or ridiculed?
He held His peace. He controlled His emotions. He was led, and governed by, the Spirit of God.
Weak reeds and flickering candles can be a real annoyance. People who don’t agree with us, challenging our beliefs with their overused rhetoric can sometimes push us to react in a not so loving manner.
“Yeah, but Jesus gave those Pharisees and money changers what for!”
Yes, He did. But that’s not how He responded to everyone who didn’t believe, understand, or fall in step with His cadence the first time they heard Him.
That’s why I’m saying that maybe we should reevaluate the way we present ourselves and our Savior to those around us.
You know, people we consider to be weak reeds and flickering candles.
Paul said things just a bit different, but the message is clear.
“Again I say, don’t get involved in foolish, ignorant arguments that only start fights. A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone, be able to teach, and be patient with difficult people. Gently instruct those who oppose the truth. Perhaps God will change those people’s hearts, and they will learn the truth. Then they will come to their senses and escape from the devil’s trap. For they have been held captive by him to do whatever he wants.” (2 Timothy 2:23 – 2:26 NLT)
“The servant of the Lord must not quarrel…”
Let’s be careful how we handle the weak reeds and flickering candles.
I remember when I was one…
Jan Grace 