Personal ministry

Recently, I've been reading Paul Tripp's book, Instruments in the Redeemer's Hands. I've really been helped by it. It stresses the importance of dealing with people's hearts as you minister to them as opposed to behavior modification. I feel like I've understood that concept for a while, but have become convicted that I still focus on outward behaviors when I ask questions and give my own insight to situations. The book also helps me see that people need to see Jesus in me more than just hearing truth from me.

Here's a helpful quote concerning personal ministry:

"Personal ministry is not about always knowing what to say. It is not about fixing everything in sight that is broken. Personal ministry is about connecting people with Christ so that they are able to think as he would have them think, desire what he says is best, and do what he calls them to do even if their circumstances never get 'fixed.' It involves exposing hurt, lost, and confused people to God's glory, so that they give up their pursuit of their own glory and live for his."