Showing results by author "Richard Sibbes" in All Categories

Taking a phrase from Matthew 12:20, Sibbes explains what it means to be a "bruised reed". It is a metaphor that exemplifies the way in which God humbles sinners by allowing them to see sin in the way that he sees it - the lesson being that God sometimes wounds before healing but with the ultimate goal of deepening our love for Christ.

The Bruised Reed walks Christians through Christ’s consistent and unconditional love for his children. Richard Sibbes elaborates on the metaphor of a humble reed that may be bent or bruised as a result of life’s errors and the consequences of sin.

A Heavenly Conference is Richard Sibbes' exposition of the memorable meeting that took place on the first Easter Sunday when the risen Christ met Mary Magdalene at the empty tomb. Though only a few words were exchanged between the Lord and Mary, Sibbes saw in them the gospel in a nutshell. A Heavenly Conference is a wonderfully original treatment of the doctrine of the believer's union with Christ. It is written by a loving and tender-hearted pastor whose main aim is to help believers enjoy the comfort that comes from knowing that Jesus' God and Father is our God and Father too.

The Tender Heart demands a true and honest reflection of faith. While so many seek only to soothe the superficial issues of the heart and mind, Richard Sibbes dives into the true core of one’s behavior and into the real heart of Christianity. Those who truly love God do not feel called to follow him under a sense of guilt-ridden commitment or burdened duty. Sibbes discusses how truly loving the Lord is the only way to enjoy communion with God and to be driven farther from sin.

Bruising is needed so that reeds may know they are reeds, not oaks. Reeds need to be bruised because of the pride in our nature, the removal of which lets us live by mercy and faith. It is a difficult thing to bring a dull heart to cry for mercy. Our hearts, like malefactors, until they are beaten from all sides, never naturally cry for mercy from the Judge. But this bruising makes us set a high price upon Christ. It makes us more thankful and more fruitful in our lives.

Puritan Richard Sibbes first published The Bruised Reed in 1630. Known among his contemporaries as "the sweet dropper", many religious communities still take comfort in his words. They are generally perceived as a balm rather than a strict outlining of religious rites and beliefs.