Matthew 12.18-21 through a mother’s eyes

God,
I come tonight so humbled and so ashamed. You’ve convicted me of how far I’ve fallen from being the light of Jesus in my own home. Thank you that others say they see You in me; I’m so ashamed that others have gotten the best part of me while my family is getting the worst of me. You timed today’s scripture perfectly as my ears sting with the echo of my harsh words and hateful tones. Jesus was a leader beyond reproach; His strength was in His gentleness. Until today, I’ve missed the truth behind Matthew 12.18-21 and Isaiah 42.1-4: “…He does not fight nor shout; He does not raise His voice! He does not crush the weak, or quench the smallest hope…” (TLB). The NIV version says, “He doesn’t break a bruised reed or extinguish a smoldering ember, He doesn’t argue.”

Why can I perceive the proper way to be sensitive to others so they “see God in me,” yet I raise my voice and argue with my family? My family is one of the most precious gifts I have and yet in my anger, frustration and fatigue, I am weakest when I am at home.

God, I’m so grateful that you love me enough to rebuke me. Please forgive me. My heart’s desire is to live for You and honor You, but I fail so often. I’m going to cling to what You’ve shown me in these verses and strive to love, lead, and live as Jesus did.

New International Version (NIV)
Matthew 12:18-21
"Here is my servant whom I have chosen, 
the one I love, in whom I delight; 
I will put my Spirit on him, 
and he will proclaim justice to the nations. 
 He will not quarrel or cry out; 
no one will hear his voice in the streets. 
A bruised reed he will not break, 
and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out, 
till he leads justice to victory. 
In his name the nations will put their hope."

Isaiah 42:1-4
"Here is my servant, whom I uphold, 
my chosen one in whom I delight; 
I will put my Spirit on him 
   and he will bring justice to the nations. He will not shout or cry out, 
 or raise his voice in the streets. A bruised reed he will not break, 
and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out. 
In faithfulness he will bring forth justice; he will not falter or be discouraged 
till he establishes justice on earth. 
In his law the islands will put their hope."