What's weaker than a bruised reed or smoldering wick? A reed in a marsh, if a bird lands on it, snaps. If a person brushes against it, it's bruised and broken. Every breeze moves it. There's nothing more fragile, more at risk, than a bruised reed. Now consider the smoking flax. It has a faint spark, but it's nearly extinguished; a child's breath could snuff it out.

These are weak things, yet Jesus says, "I won't quench the smoking flax; I won't break the bruised reed." Some of God's people are strong, doing great works. Like Samsons, they accomplish mighty deeds. But most of his people are timid and fearful. They're like starlings, frightened by every sound. They're a little, fearful flock. Temptation easily ensnares them; trials make them faint. Like fragile boats tossed by waves, they drift like seabirds in the storm—without strength, wisdom, or foresight.

Still, these weak ones have a special promise. This is grace and love! It shows us Jesus' compassion—so gentle, tender, considerate.

We never need fear his touch or a harsh word. Though he could criticize our weakness, he doesn't. Bruised reeds won't get blows from him; the smoking flax won't receive his frown.