An important part of healing and growth is accountability. Without it, apathy and cynicism spread like a virus, eroding strong relationships or institutions. Accountability does not necessarily mean punishment or destruction for the offending party. There can be accountability without cruelty. In fact, the most effective way to hold others accountable is through fierce compassion.
Holding a boundary while seeing the humanity.
When someone offends you, it is easier to call names, to dismiss their actions as that of a lesser-than person. Harder to acknowledge their humanness, our hurt or our own vulnerability to personal righteousness.
Try this: I see you, I hear you. You’ve hurt me. What repair needs to take place? If there is not willingness to repair, there are consequences. Consequences that address the behavior and ensure it will not happen again. Consequence delivered in a state of grounded belief in the humanity in each of us.