Christians do not always agree, but problems can be solved by agreeing to disagree and letting God work His will.
We see this happen with Paul and Barnabas:
Acts 15:36-41
36 Some time later Paul said to Barnabas, “Let us go back and visit the believers in all the towns where we preached the word of the Lord and see how they are doing.” 37 Barnabas wanted to take John, also called Mark, with them, 38 but Paul did not think it wise to take him, because he had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not continued with them in the work. 39 They had such a sharp disagreement that they parted company. Barnabas took Mark and sailed for Cyprus, 40 but Paul chose Silas and left, commended by the believers to the grace of the Lord. 41 He went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches.
Paul and Barnabas disagreed over Mark (also named John). The sticking point was that he bailed on their first mission:
Acts 13:13
From Paphos, Paul and his companions sailed to Perga in Pamphylia, where John left them to return to Jerusalem.
We don’t know why Mark left Paul and Barnabas but it certainly rubbed Paul the wrong way. He accused Mark of lacking courage and a commitment to the mission. Paul and Barnabas, even though they had been on a missionary endeavor together, split off and set out for separate missions when it came to the second missionary journey. Barnabas with Mark and Paul with Silas. Two teams out on a mission instead of one!
God works even through conflict in disagreements. That’s how He rolls.
Later on, Mark became vital to Paul’s ministry and he was appreciative for him:
Colossians 4:10-11
10 My fellow prisoner Aristarchus sends you his greetings, as does Mark, the cousin of Barnabas. (You have received instructions about him; if he comes to you, welcome him.) 11 Jesus, who is called Justus, also sends greetings. These are the only Jews among my co-workers for the kingdom of God, and they have proved a comfort to me.
2 Timothy 4:11
Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, because he is helpful to me in my ministry.
No matter what disagreement you’re feeling right now, God is eager to work through it for the good of His Kingdom.
Question: What is a disagreement you currently have? Click here to reply.
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