Proverbs 21.11
“When a scoffer is punished, the simple becomes wise; when a wise man is instructed, he gains knowledge.”
Receiving feedback is essential for growing and getting better. The necessary corollary is that it is necessary to give people feedback and hold them accountable. In the book of Galatians, Paul gives instruction and admonition about accountability in the body of Christ.
“Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted.” (Galatians 6.1)
If we see a fellow Christian engaged in actions that are out of alignment with God’s standards, we should hold them accountable. We should not ignore their behavior; we should not gossip behind their back; we should not give up on them. We should engage them and hold them accountable to the standards of the kingdom.
This is simply person-to-person relationships in the Christian fellowship. You have a circle of Christian friends; you have Christian friends that you know and interact with on a regular basis; you see their attitude and behavior; you see the pattern of the way they live their lives. You should discuss scripture with each other, discuss issues with each other, encourage and support each other, pray for one another, have fun and laugh together … and you should hold each other accountable.
Everyone needs a noticer and truth-teller in their life. Going about life without accountability is dangerous. Not only should we receive feedback and accountability, we should also give feedback and accountability. Say what needs to be said, and hear what needs to be heard.
The Lord calls us to be tellers of truth, and he calls us to be hearers of truth. We are to talk straight, and we are to listen carefully. Paul says it in Ephesians 4: “Speak the truth in love.” We could add: “Hear the truth in love.”
Sometimes that means encouraging people. Other times it means having hard conversations, holding people accountable and being accountable. At all times it means we seek truth, and we do so with the right motives.
Trust God. And again … say what needs to be said, and hear what needs to be heard.
