“Paul and Barnabas disagreed with each other so strongly they parted company with each other. Barnabas wanted to include Mark on their to encourage new churches and young believers, but Paul felt Mark’s earlier failure in ministry showed he wasn’t mature enough. Barnabus took Mark, and Paul took Silas, each went on a return trip to strengthen churches in the region.” Paraphrase of Acts 15:36-41
Fast forward several years: Paul wrote, “Mark, Barnabas’s cousin, also sends greetings .. Make Mark welcome if he comes your way” (Col.4:12). And in his last letter, Paul wrote, “Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is very useful to me for ministry.” 2 Tim.4:11
Gracious Jesus, as these Scriptures and story demonstrate, there are times when even 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 busted (Eph. 4:3).
Differing perspectives lead to sharp disagreements. Painful words are spoken, hearts get hurt, sides are taken, and disconnection occurs. This happens in healthy churches, marriages, and between good friends. Jesus, help us. Conflict is inevitable; redemptive conflict is divine. We are grateful your Word records a later reconciliation and healing in this story involving Paul, Barnabas, and Mark. We look to you to bring similar Gospel-outcomes in our old, current, and future conflicts.
The world will know we are your disciples by our love (Jn.13:34). Jesus, show us what “faith expressing itself in love” looks like when we disagree—especially when, like Paul and Barnabas, we have “sharp disagreements.” You call us away from contempt, denial, spin, pretending, defensiveness, and simply giving up. As with Peter, you tell us to “put away our swords,” and take up your grace (Jn.18:11, Matt.26:52). Help us, Jesus. So Very Amen.