Paul and Barnabas had such “a sharp disagreement (about John Mark’s readiness for missionary service) that they parted company. Barnabas took Mark and sailed for Cyprus, but Paul chose Silas and left … strengthening the churches in Syria and Cilicia.” Acts 15:36-41
12 years later Paul said about Mark: “Mark, Barnabas’s cousin, (also sends greetings) … make Mark welcome if he comes your way.” Col.4:12
5 more years later Paul said: about Mark “Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is very useful to me for ministry.” 2 Tim.4:11
Gracious Jesus, as this Scripture demonstrates, there are times when your faithful servants don’t see eye to eye on very important matters. Our best efforts at keeping “the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace” get stressed, tested, and broken (Eph. 4:3).
Differing perspectives lead to sharp disagreements, sharp disagreements can lead to painful words, and painful words often lead to the parting of ways. This happens between the closest of friends, in good church families, healthy marriages, and in most relational contexts we participate as believers.
Whether it’s who we trust with responsibilities, how we handle failures, how we interpret disheartening events, who we hire and who we fire, or for whom we vote in a presidential election—until you return, Jesus, we do and will see things differently. Help us. Grace us. Humble us. Strengthen us. Lead us.
The question in this story isn’t, “Who was more right about Mark—Paul or Barnabas?” The always-question must be, “What does faith expressing itself in love look like” (Gal.5:6) in messy situations, disheartening stories, and bruised relationships?
Sharp disagreements don’t have to lead to building permanent walls of separation. They can lead to building bridges of beautiful redemption. With time plus grace—Paul, Barnabas, and Mark didn’t merely “kiss and make up.” Far better, they grew in grace, waited on you, and brought you glory. That’s what we want too, Jesus. You know us and our stories. So Very Amen.