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.” Barnabas wanted to take John, also called Mark, with them, 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. They had such a sharp disagreement that they parted company. Barnabas took Mark and sailed for Cyprus, but Paul chose Silas and left, commended by the believers to the grace of the Lord. Acts 15:36-40 (NIV)
Dear heavenly Father, I start this day so grateful for the no-spin honesty and daily applicability of the Bible. In particular, I’m thankful today for this story of two good friends, Paul and Barnabas, having “such a sharp disagreement that they parted company.” All of us have “been there and done that”, and yet we want, and need, you to teach us the difference the gospel makes in loving well in broken, messy relationships. Sometimes the issues are complex and the way forward isn’t real clear or easy.
Father thank you for sending Jesus to tear down walls, destroy hostilities, and make peace—between you and us, and us and others. It took time plus grace for Paul and Barnabas to get back together. What are the implications of that for us in our fractured, stressed, and disconnected relationships?
Help us to want reconciliation more than we want to be right, your glory more than our vindication, and the beauty of redemption more than we want the satisfaction of winning. Grant us grace to steward our hurts, fears, and anger.
Father, we long for the Day of perfect relationships (Rev. 21:1-22:5), and we thank you that this day is a day of sufficient grace. As you help us is our most challenging relationships, help us care for our friends in theirs. By the truth and grace of the gospel, help us to love and listen, and serve and counsel our friends well. So very Amen we pray, in Jesus’ tender and triumphant name.