Bearing one another’s burden……..

“All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives.  It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.   God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work”.   II Tim. 3:16-17 NLT

We should have a teachable spirit if accountability is to be effective.   We can apply what Paul wrote to Timothy in II Tim. 3:16-17 regarding accountability relationships.  

Just as scripture is profitable for reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness, so can be the words of those we trust speaking into our lives.   We need the critique of others for as Jeremiah said, the heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked; who can know it? (Jer. 17:9).   Others can often more clearly see what is in our hearts than we can.

Honesty is at the heart of all working accountability.   If we lie, we gain nothing from this relationship and lying is much more than simply telling a lie. Consider exaggeration, broken promises, flattery, charm, giving a misleading impression, stretching the truth, insincerity, hypocrisy, telling only part of the truth and half-truths.   The masks we wear, the importance of our outward appearance, these are untruths presented to the world.  What is inside needs to line up with what we seem to be on the outside.   God sees our hearts!   God desires truth in our inner most parts.  It is truth that holds together the armor of God.  Jesus is truth!

Are we prepared to walk in truth no matter what the cost?

We are to speak the truth in love. (Eph. 4:15)   If we are walking in love, we will be free to be honest, and able to share the depths of our hearts as well as to confront that which we see in each other that is not of God. We will speak the truth in love that will set them free and bring healing.

All relationships are built on trust and trust comes from walking in truth.  

Trust is precious and not to be betrayed!

We need to be good listeners---this is a key to bearing one another’s burdens.   Listening is often so much more helpful than speaking!

“Help carry one another's burdens, and in this way you will obey the law of Christ”.  Gal. 6:2  GNT