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“You are just so irresponsible. You never commit to anything.” Snuff! “You are lazy. You just want things handed to you.” Snuff. We can easily say things like this to people. However, even if there is a measure of truth in what we are saying, we risk snuffing out any good that exists. Modern psychological approaches advise building people up while directing them. This means we must be careful to wrap our criticism in love. After all, our goal should not be to criticise but to grow in love. So, how do you deal with those who irritate you? This is how Jesus deals with the most irritating people ever – us. “A bruised reed he will not break, and a smouldering wick he will not snuff out, till he has brought justice through to victory” (Matthew 12:20). In ancient times, reeds were used for many things like building walls. A damaged reed was no good. But Jesus still wants to use us. A smoking candle gives no light, and it causes irritating smoke. Rather than snuff the candle, Jesus fans it into flame. If he deals with us like this, how much more should we build up and encourage one another? Open Bible – https://bit.ly/mat12v20