Discipling Broken People

I came across a quote today from Paul Tripp that I think is incredibly helpful for those who are discipling others and experiencing push back or attacks from them.

“In personal ministry, the sin of the person you are helping will eventually be revealed in your relationship.  If you are ministering to an angry person, at some point that anger will be directed at you.  If you are helping a person who struggles with trust, at some point she will distrust you.  A manipulative person will seek to manipulate you.  A depressed person will tell you he tried everything you’ve suggested and it didn’t work.  You can’t stand next to a puddle without eventually being splashed by its mud.” From Instruments in the Redeemer’s Hand by Paul Tripp.

I would also add that if you are discipling arrogant, prideful young men or women, they will turn their arrogance against you in their unteachability and knowledge.  Like the depressed person they will think they have tried what you’ve suggested, but really only half-way at best, and because they only tried half way it didn’t work.  But they will think they’ve tried.  They just think they have arrived already or that they know better than you. Too often, they will leave and go somewhere else where someone will mistake earnestness for maturity.  I know this because I am a recovering arrogant, prideful young man myself.

Don’t be discouraged when it occurs.  Know that it is likely coming and extend grace.  There is most likely someone who did it for you in the past anyway.

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