Being accountable means taking personal responsibility for your actions and the consequences those actions bring. We should not blame others or shift the blame to subjects other than ourselves. Every day, we make decisions, and those decisions have consequences. Having said that, certain circumstances may force you to compromise on two important aspects of your life: doing what is pleasing to God and yielding to temptation. We must understand that it is not about selecting the best, but rather about being accountable for your actions and the consequences of those actions. The first question is… why is it important to hold people accountable?
Romans 14:12
The Bible states unequivocally that each of us will give an account of ourselves to God. Thus, do not place any stumbling block or obstacle in the way of a brother or sister, as this may lead to sin, discouragement, or condemnation among yourselves.
What Does The Bible Say About Holding People Accountable
In the same way, as your brother’s keeper, you have a responsibility to ensure that your actions do not directly or indirectly offend others. You have an obligation to carry each other’s burdens through carrying out Christ’s law of love. Remember, you cannot live on your own; you require the assistance of another soul to carry out your mission. That person must be wise enough to correct you when you sin, appreciate your efforts, encourage you to do better, and support your endeavors. As a result, you should lean into one another and pray together. (Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. Galatians 6:2)
What Does The Bible Say About Holding People Accountable
This should never be regarded as a burden or punishment. If one of your brothers forgets his worth as a son of God and drifts away from the truth, bring him back to the light and spare his life, for the cost of sin is death. Bring him back to Jesus through repentance so that he can have life in abundance. If he repents, forgive him and build each other up. (James 5:19-20)
Don’t let anything stop you from being kind to your brothers. Be that inspiration and that person who can provide a listening ear. Be that person who fosters compassion in the face of failure and rejection. As you sing songs of thanksgiving from the bottom of your heart, let your spirit merge with the word of God and enliven your soul with His lessons and wisdom. (Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. Colossians 3:16)
What Does The Bible Say About Holding People Accountable
Furthermore, a reprimand is usually preferable to secret affection. If one of your brothers is succumbing to temptation and enjoying the forbidden, be gracious enough to point out his errors. Don’t let these things pass you by, for it is your responsibility as a believer to guide them to the truth. Do everything in your power to bring him to light. Allow the church to be your witness, but if your brother still refuses, do not participate in his ways and instead continue to obey God’s will. (Matthew 18:15-17)
As such, always choose to be kind and sympathetic to your brothers in all of your undertakings. As Christ Jesus forgave you, so you should forgive one another. Encourage each other to be the best versions of yourselves, especially through difficult times, rather than pointing out the unlovable among you or keeping track of the times they have failed to show you goodness. Embrace your faith in people and in the Lord. Never forget that you are the guardian of your brothers. (Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do. 1 Thessalonians 5:11)
What Does The Bible Say About Holding People Accountable
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