We don't seem to mind our good works being made the center of attention. Servant exhibited throughout His ministry in the use of His power and spiritual gifts. However, if these kinds of stormy confrontations did not characterize the Servant, so they will not characterize us if we follow His example. We servants need to be characterized more by living the Christian message in the streets and following the modest and unobtrusive ways of the model Servant. The two figures of the bruised reed and the dimly burning wick emphasize the graciousness and gentleness of our Lord's dealing with people.
Bruised reeds are practically worthless and easily broken.
Normal procedure is not to waste time with bruised reeds, but to toss them aside. But that's not the way the Lord works with people. Dimly burning wicks are feeble and fragile and easily snuffed out. He is tender and patient with us. He knows how to properly trim the wick and gently fan the delicate spark back to flame and full light.