In this passage, Paul tells us what we are supposed to do if we find someone in sin. Since having friends makes us stronger, then we must use accountability to grow closer to Christ. As brothers and sisters in Christ’s family, we should watch out for each other. Paul says that when someone sins, we should “restore (that person) in a spirit of gentleness” (v. 1). This doesn’t mean that we yell or confront him in front of other people, but it means that we should gently and lovingly call out his sin to him privately, so he can seek forgiveness and grow in maturity. This requires tact. Tact is “skill in dealing with difficult or delicate situations” (Dictionary.com). How you say something is just as important as what you say. Your tone can communicate something your words don’t. We have a biblical calling on our lives to help our Christian friends by holding them accountable.

• How are you at using tact when speaking?