Accountability With Grace
As mentors, we all know that being full of grace and truth is at the top of the list for how we want to interact with those we mentor. Being a mentor means we’re willing to speak into our mentee’s lives, even when that requires bringing some truth that might be difficult to communicate.
Consider these thoughts:
To keep in shape, a workout partner can make all the difference. Whether it’s running, playing tennis or taking a class at the gym – when you have a companion, you’re more likely to stick with the workouts because of the support, motivation and accountability.
To bring your game to a new height, consider a coach. A coach can keep you accountable and take you to the next level. Not only will they meet you at the track, acoach will look at all areas of your physical health and recommend changes where needed. Are you getting enough rest? How is your diet? Are you strengthening the muscles that are weak?
Just as a coach takes account of their athlete, so a mentor takes account of her mentee. Does your mentee truly rest in knowing she is loved by Jesus? Is she taking in a steady diet of Scripture, doing the daily exercise of devotionals? Is she being stretched in the areas where she is weak?
Paul, who mentored Timothy, gave him this charge in 2 Timothy 4:2:
“Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage–with great patience and careful instruction.”
Paul instructed Timothy to teach the truths of Scripture, and to be ready and available for any opportunity God might present. He gave him permission to confront a fellow believer so long as it was done with kindness and patience.
And to the Galatians, Paul said to “serve one another in love” (5:13). A mentor’s approach to holding her mentee accountable should be preceded with prayer and guided by the Holy Spirit. Whether your mentee is fighting habit fatigue or is caught up in sin, reach out to her with thoughtful questions, wisdom and encouragement.
We’re in this journey together as we practice accountability with grace and point each mentee to Jesus; correcting her gently and supporting her fiercely.
May we be her biggest cheerleader as she seeks to love and follow Christ.
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