Disagreements
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. He went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches. (Acts 15:36-41)
While disagreements are never fun to have, they are an inevitable part of our lives as relational human beings. When you live in a fallen world, you must understand that not everyone will agree with everything you say and do. We shouldn’t let this truth deter us from handling the disagreement in a God-honoring way. We must believe that God can still bring good out of a disagreement between two of His children.
Take Paul and Barnabas, for example. They were two extremely close friends, both working toward the goal of spreading the Gospel to anyone who would listen. However, at one point in their ministry, they had a very strong disagreement about how they would proceed with their mission to preach and teach the lost.
Paul did not want John Mark to come with them on their journey because John Mark had left them earlier; this made Paul skeptical of his faithfulness and endurance. On the other hand, Barnabas wanted to give John Mark a second chance and include him on their journey, desiring to grant him the same compassion he had shown Paul in the past.
Paul and Barnabas shared the same vision, the same passion, and the same goal. However, their opinions about the ways they wanted to proceed and the people they wanted to bring along differed drastically. Scripture says they disagreed so sharply that they parted company. Thankfully, that didn’t stop the Lord from using both men to spread the good news of Jesus.
Instead of being one team, Paul and Barnabas had created two different teams and doubled their reach. Even in their disagreement, God used them to expand His Kingdom, and He can do the same in the midst of our disagreements. Don’t give up on God when you can’t agree with another person. Please realize that God can use this setback for His glory. Move forward in obedience with what He is calling you to do, and see firsthand how He works all things together for good.
While disagreements are never fun to have, they are an inevitable part of our lives as relational human beings. When you live in a fallen world, you must understand that not everyone will agree with everything you say and do. We shouldn’t let this truth deter us from handling the disagreement in a God-honoring way. We must believe that God can still bring good out of a disagreement between two of His children.
Take Paul and Barnabas, for example. They were two extremely close friends, both working toward the goal of spreading the Gospel to anyone who would listen. However, at one point in their ministry, they had a very strong disagreement about how they would proceed with their mission to preach and teach the lost.
Paul did not want John Mark to come with them on their journey because John Mark had left them earlier; this made Paul skeptical of his faithfulness and endurance. On the other hand, Barnabas wanted to give John Mark a second chance and include him on their journey, desiring to grant him the same compassion he had shown Paul in the past.
Paul and Barnabas shared the same vision, the same passion, and the same goal. However, their opinions about the ways they wanted to proceed and the people they wanted to bring along differed drastically. Scripture says they disagreed so sharply that they parted company. Thankfully, that didn’t stop the Lord from using both men to spread the good news of Jesus.
Instead of being one team, Paul and Barnabas had created two different teams and doubled their reach. Even in their disagreement, God used them to expand His Kingdom, and He can do the same in the midst of our disagreements. Don’t give up on God when you can’t agree with another person. Please realize that God can use this setback for His glory. Move forward in obedience with what He is calling you to do, and see firsthand how He works all things together for good.
Recent
Archive
2024
January
Building Men Over MembershipsActions and WordsPraying in God’s WillA Call to God’s ChurchFalse ProphetsJesus Intercedes for YouAre You Encouraging Others?Strengthening BelieversSalvation Is SimpleCounterfeit TeachingBe Ready for the End Jesus Understands Your PainLooking ForwardCommitting Others To ChristSharing Your StoryTaking the Time To BlessPraying for UnbelieversA Word of BlessingJesus Cares about YouThe PavementAre You Confessed Up To Date?Fighting Self-Sufficiency With PrayerBe Responsible for Your ChildrenJesus Is Standing with You The Promise of the Holy SpiritBe Aligned in PrayerI Am InnocentAligned PrayersPraying with PowerDealing with ProblemsHandling Stress
February
Come and SeeA Childlike FaithDon’t Miss OutWhy Support Israel?Praying For IsraelHow To Honor GodResisting EvilThe Lord Encourages UsJesus Is the AuthorityGod ProvidesLiving Out The Great CommissionMaking SureA Heart of RepentanceSharing Your FaithSubmitting to God’s WillSecure in Your IdentityHow Are You Filled?God Is All-SufficientJesus Is The Only WayPray, Just PrayNo Sin Is Too BigThe Purpose in PainFeed Your FaithStay in Love with JesusIt’s Only JesusRemember Who God IsGifts from the Holy SpiritThis World Is Not Your HomeBe Different
March
Admitting You Are WrongMoney Can’t Buy HappinessMy ConfidenceChanged by Christ Faith and UnderstandingDo Angels Exist?Falling at Jesus’ FeetBorn AgainThe Fullness of JesusExperiencing Christ’s FullnessThe Lord’s ProtectionPraying FriendsA Hand of BlessingBe StillYour Heavenly FatherBlessing Your ChildrenGod Is Our ProviderTime To StopSimply Follow ChristFathers Loving MothersEvery Knee Will BowWhen God Repeats HimselfThe Seven ChurchesTaking Up Your CrossMake Peace With GodGod Gives Free WillGod’s Healing PowerGo All in for ChristAbiding and RestingBelieving God’s WordWhat Hangs In The Balance Of Evangelism?
4 Comments
This message means a lot and has hit home for sure. In real time there is a sharp disagreement between my spouse and myself that I pray that god will use to strengthen us
I experience setbacks a lot. I just look to God to guide me as to what He wants me to be doing 🙏 I make amends when necessary
I Ask GOD every. Morning for guidance in seeking his Will and growing with his Word. PRAISE JESUS !
Wow. What a timely message for a UMC congregation going through discernment. God can use the outcome in a positive way for both sides if they like Paul and Barnabas are seeking to truly spread the Gospel according to God's will.