Today's PAYG centred on Matthew 12: 15-21, with its links to Isaiah 42.  As has become my practice recently, after listening I looked up the passage in the NRSV (which they use) with Esword (a free Bible software programme for which you can purchase additional translations, such as NRSV, at very reasonable prices).  The way I have it set up, Matthew Henry's commentary appears to the right of the text, and it is always intriguing to read what he wrote so long ago.

Here's what he said on this passage (emphasis mine)...

The Pharisees took counsel to find some accusation, that Jesus might be condemned to death. Aware of their design, as his time was not come, he retired from that place. Face does not more exactly answer to face in water, than the character of Christ drawn by the prophet, to his temper and conduct as described by the evangelists. Let us with cheerful confidence commit our souls to so kind and faithful a Friend. Far from breaking, he will strengthen the bruised reed; far from quenching the smoking flax, or wick nearly out, he will rather blow it up into a flame. Let us lay aside contentious and angry debates; let us receive one another as Christ receives us. And while encouraged by the gracious kindness of our Lord, we should pray that his Spirit may rest upon us, and make us able to copy his example.

When the church is so full of angry and contentionus debates over what most would agree are 'secondary' issues, it seems Matthew Henry has a 'word in season.'

If, instead of arguing over then gender or sexuality of clergy, we were doing what Jesus did I can't help feeling the church would be in better health.  Of course opinions will vary, and people will go on using the Bible to 'proof text' their views, but a bit of 'servant' gentleness and Christlike welcome seems a good paln to me.