Parting Ways
Parting Ways
There was such a sharp disagreement that they parted company. (Acts 15:39)
All Too Human
Paul and Barnabas—two New Testament leaders of enormous faith, character, and commitment to the kingdom of God—had such a sharp disagreement on ministry tactics that they parted company. Barnabas wanted a guy named John Mark to join their missions venture, but John Mark had bailed on an earlier missionary effort, and Paul lost confidence in him. Barnabas was willing to offer him a second chance. Paul wasn’t. The rift was so deep that it blew up their fellowship and they parted company.
Make Peace a Priority
Apparently Paul and Barnabas were just as human as we are. Even the men of God we hold in highest esteem sometimes fail to iron out their differences. Maybe you’ve seen this played out in your own church or in your own life. Interestingly, God did not send an angel to clarify the issue for Paul and Barnabas, and He’s not likely to do it for us. No revelation came as to the right course of action. Perhaps God sometimes leaves us in confusion and ambiguity so we can learn the art of disagreeing without being disagreeable. No matter who is “right” or “wrong” in a gray area, both parties are in the wrong if they do not handle their differences with graciousness. If you have a disagreement with a fellow believer, honor Christ in how you disagree. Basically, don’t be a jerk! A little humility goes a long way.
Bottom Line
God wants us to conduct ourselves—even in our disagreements—with love, peace, and kindness, and all of the other fruit of the Spirit.