And after some days Paul said to Barnabas, “Let us return and visit the brothers in every city where we proclaimed the word of the Lord, and see how they are.”Now Barnabas wanted to take with them John called Mark. But Paul thought best not to take with them one who had withdrawn from them in Pamphylia and had not gone with them to the work. And there arose a sharp disagreement, so that they separated from each other. (Acts 15:36-39, ESV)

There's a story told of two long-time friends who decided to take a road trip together. Both were excited for the journey, but as the miles ticked by, they realized they had differing opinions about the route, the stops to make, and the music to play. By the end of the trip, they decided it was best to travel separately next time. Does this mean their friendship was over? No. It just meant they had differences, and they needed to find a new way to continue their journey.

Much like these friends, Paul and Barnabas, two stalwarts of the early church, found themselves in disagreement. They had traveled extensively, spreading the Gospel and establishing churches. However, when it came to taking John Mark along for another missionary journey, their views differed. Paul felt John Mark wasn't reliable due to his earlier desertion, while Barnabas wanted to give him a second chance. Instead of allowing this disagreement to disrupt their mission, they decided to part ways, with each taking a different route.

What can we learn from this? Differences and conflicts are natural, even among the most dedicated believers. Yet, how we handle them matters. Paul and Barnabas teach us that sometimes separation can be the best solution for the greater good. It's not about proving who's right or wrong but about ensuring the work of the Lord continues unhindered.

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Prayer

Lord, in moments of disagreement, grant me the wisdom to prioritize Your work over personal differences. Help me to remember that unity in purpose doesn't always mean uniformity in method. Teach me to navigate challenges with grace, ensuring that Your message continues to spread. Amen.

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Reflection

1. Can you recall a time when you had a disagreement with someone in your community or church? How did you handle it?

2. How can we ensure that personal differences don't hinder the collective mission?

3. In what areas of your life do you need to seek unity amidst differences?

Watch: Divided Disciples

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