A time to disagree D16112021

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CASNFCI SCRIPTURE & PRAYER FOR THE DAY

A time to disagree

Barnabas wanted to take John…, with them, but Paul did not think it wise to take him, because he had deserted them …They had such a sharp disagreement …. — Acts 15:37-39

The story of the disagreement between Paul and Barnabas does not make pleasant reading, but Luke’s realism in recording it helps us to remember that the two men, were “human beings with feelings like” us. Both agreed on re-visiting those churches where they’d ministered earlier. They just differed on how to go about it. Barnabas wanted to take John. Paul didn’t; he wanted to take Silas. And it often happens that we agree on what needs to be done but differs on how to accomplish it. Paul believes that Mark’s refusal to go with the missionaries into Galatia during the first missionary trip amounted to desertion v38. Perhaps Mark has some defect in his character that makes him unreliable. On the contrary, Barnabas, the “Son of Encouragement,” sees some promising qualities in Mark and wants to give him experience and training. Mark is his cousin, and Barnabas knows the family traits Colossians 4:10. Or perhaps family loyalty was more important to Barnabas than the commitment to the work.

Years later, Paul would say to Timothy of the young man he had once rejected: “Get Mark and bring him with you, because he is helpful to me in my ministry” (2 Timothy 4:11). Both Paul and Barnabas may be right: Mark would do poorly under Paul’s leadership but would grow while helping Barnabas. We’re emotional and it’s easy to get bitter when we experience sharp disagreement. Therefore, we must speak the truth in love, forgive one another, and not give up on each other as we work and serve together for the good of all. Our disunity impedes the witness of the church. Eph 4:15 & 32.

PRAYER

Lord, help us to speak truthfully & surround us with brethren who will speak to us in love so that we all might grow. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Rev. Isaac G. Y Bangalu Founder & CE

Couples & Singles Network for Christ Initiative

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