Parting ways

TODAY'S READING: Acts 15:36-41
There are times we disagree and have to part ways. Here we see two servants of God with a major conflict. They disagree about John Mark to the point where they decide to go their separate ways. Paul and Silas went one way and Barnabas and John Mark went another way.
There is a huge lesson to learn from this situation. When we have a disagreement that causes us to part ways, we should separate with love. Paul and Barnabas disagreed, but each one stayed focused on the task. It doesn't seem like they had any bad feelings about each other.
When we have disagreements that cause us to part ways we should never separate with ill feelings towards each other. I have seen a number of friendships end because of a disagreement and at least one party has gone out and gossiped or talked badly about the other person. Followers of Jesus should never act this way. We may disagree but we should never mistreat each other. Consider what Jesus said in Matthew 5:43-48...
"You have heard that the law of Moses says, `Love your neighbor' and hate your enemy. But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good, and he sends rain on the just and on the unjust, too. If you love only those who love you, what good is that? Even corrupt tax collectors do that much. If you are kind only to your friends, how are you different from anyone else? Even pagans do that. But you are to be perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect."
Whether someone is a friend or enemy, whether we get along or disagree, Jesus calls us to treat that person with love. Then we will be able to look like Jesus and show others what God is really like.

shine!
Jason