Proverbs 27:6 (GW) Wounds made by a friend are intended to help, but an enemy’s kisses are too much to bear.

Does anyone like really being held accountable?  The more I think about this question and the more I listen to the “chatter” around me, the more I would have to say “No, I really don’t think anyone like to be held accountable.”  Bottom line… accountability is hard. But, to talk about it, I want to make sure we have a good definition first.

To be honest, I’m not overly-enthusiastic when someone points out an area of weakness in my life. Who really is? So, when it comes time for someone to tell me a “hard” truth, I have to consider the source of the information. Is it someone I truly trust to have best interest at heart, or is it someone just pointing an accusing finger? I have to admit it’s an easier pill for me to swallow when I trust the person bringing me the unpleasant advice.

A biblical example of this type of accountability can be found in 2 Samuel chapters 11 and 12.  It’s about a year after David committed adultery with Bathsheba which produced a pregnancy. In chapter 11, David plots to cover up this adulterous affair by sending Uriah (Bathsheba’s husband) to the front lines of battle knowing he’d be killed.  As the chain of events unfold, every decision David made plunged him deeper and deeper into a pit sin and he grew more callous with every action.

God sends Nathan, David best friend, to confront him and help him see his own wrongdoing and then comfort him with the reality of God’s forgiveness. During this conversation, Nathan also had to remind David that the consequences his sin would bring the death of his son with Bathsheba. This couldn’t have been an easy conversation for David to have with anyone…but it had to have been easier coming from someone David trusted.

The truth can be painful but when it delivered by a trusted friend you can be assured it’s for your good…and growth.