Disagree Without Being Disagreeable

Acts 15

36 After some time Paul said to Barnabas, “Let’s go back and visit each city where we previously preached the word of the Lord, to see how the new believers are doing.” 37 Barnabas agreed and wanted to take along John Mark. 38 But Paul disagreed strongly, since John Mark had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not continued with them in their work. 39 Their disagreement was so sharp that they separated. Barnabas took John Mark with him and sailed for Cyprus. 40 Paul chose Silas, and as he left, the believers entrusted him to the Lord’s gracious care. 41 Then he traveled throughout Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches there.

Paul and Barnabas had been traveling partners for the LORD’s work, but they came to a point of disagreement that cause them to separate. Even so, their disagreement was not over doctrinal issues and it did not serve as a detriment to the Gospel. So they agreed to disagree, and each went their separate way to continue the work to which they had been called. Now, instead of one missionary team, there were two. We won’t always agree with our brothers in Christ, but we don’t have to be disagreeable about it. May God’s work continue and may we multiply the teams doing God’s work when a disagreement pops up. To do any less would be to bring dishonor to the name of Christ.