What makes for a good accountability partner?
The Bible doesn't talk about "accountability partners" specifically, but does offer guidance about what to look for in another Christian who will enter into a strong, honest, vulnerable relationship with you to make you both closer followers of Jesus. The ideal accountability partner is a person who does just that.When seeking an accountability partner, look for someone leading an increasingly righteous life due to their relationship with Jesus (2 Corinthians 6:14). Look for someone who prays and who is willing to confess their sins (James 5:16).
An accountability partner should be growing in their knowledge and understanding of the Word of God (John 17:17; 2 Timothy 2:15; 3:17). And so should you.
Look for someone who is exhibiting more and more of the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22–23) and who understands and practices forgiveness (Colossians 3:13; Ephesians 4:32).
An accountability partner should be someone who is trustworthy (Proverbs 11:13)—someone who will not break your confidence. Look for someone who is willing to be honest with you and desires you to be honest with them (Proverbs 27:6; Ephesians 4:15).
When establishing an accountability partner relationship, look for someone of the same gender as you. You will grow into an increasingly close and vulnerable relationship, and having an accountability partner of another gender will naturally cause you to close off parts of your life to them.
You are not looking for a perfect Christian person, though the above may indicate such. What you are looking for is someone who is serious about their own walk with Christ and who will spur you on in the Christian life. An accountability partner is someone whom you can encourage in the Christian life as well (Proverbs 27:17; Galatians 6:2–6; Hebrews 10:24–25). Accountability partners help us draw closer to God. They encourage us to resist sin, remind us of God's truths, pray for us, and walk alongside us as we both grow in faith.
Why is accountability important in the Christian life?
Is mentoring biblical? What is a Christian view of mentorship?
Christian discipleship - What is it?
Is there a difference between a Christian and a disciple?
What does it mean to pursue righteousness?
Truth about the Christian Life
