S-Scripture:  Acts 15:36-40, “36Some time later Paul said to Barnabas, “Let us go back and visit the brothers in all the towns where we preached the word of the Lord and see how they are doing.” 37Barnabas wanted to take John, also called Mark, with them, 38but 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. 39They had such a sharp disagreement that they parted company. Barnabas took Mark and sailed for Cyprus, 40but Paul chose Silas and left, commended by the brothers to the grace of the Lord.”  (NIV)

O-Observation: Barnabas and Paul had a great ministry together.  Barnabas was first seen reaching his hand out to Paul after Paul’s conversion to Christ.  When the church at Jerusalem was afraid to embrace Paul, Barnabas reached out!  One thing we can learn from Barnabas is the need to be a little more encouraging to others, a little more loving, a little more accepting of those we are a little afraid of.  In this passage of Scripture, Barnabas believed in giving people a second chance.  Even though John Mark had deserted this ministry team, Barnabas was willing give him another opportunity to serve.  I am so thankful for second chances!  Aren’t you?  This decision to take John Mark or not to take him, left Barnabas and Paul in a heated disagreement.  The disagreement was so strong that they parted ways.

A-Application: When we are faced with disagreements in our lives we must understand that God has a plan and a purpose for the disagreement.  Because of the disagreement, Barnabas took John Mark and Paul took Silas.  Both of these teams were very successful in reaching people for Christ.  As a matter of fact, at the end of Paul’s ministry, he took notice of the usefulness of John Mark.  Here’s what we can take home from this passage:  When we face conflict with others, we can run away from the person, the problem, or we can agree to disagree and still be effective for Christ.

P-Prayer: Father, please help me to understand the other person’s point of view when faced with a conflict.  This passage of Scripture teaches me that I don’t always have to agree with the person about their point, but I do have to be brotherly.  Help me to love people and help me to exemplify the love of Jesus in every situation.  In Jesus name.  Amen.
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