The Bruised Reed

"After conversion we need bruising so that reeds may know themselves to be reeds, and not oaks. Even reeds need bruising, by reason of the remainder of pride in our nature, and to let us see that we live by mercy and mercy alone. Such bruising may help weaker Christians not to be too much discouraged when they see stronger ones shaken and bruised. Thus Peter was bruised when he wept bitterly. This reed, til he met with this bruise, had more wind in him than pith, when he said 'though all forsake Thee, i will not". The people of God cannot be without these examples. The heroic deeds of those great worthy's do not comfort the Church so much as their falls and bruises do." - from "The Bruised Reed" by Richard Sibbes (via Matt Chandler)