Certainly there are times within our lives, even without an election year or a pandemic, where we face the awkward point of disagreeing with a fellow Christian. While we may find ourselves disagreeing with the world on a daily basis, it is an entirely different situation when we find ourselves in disagreement with a brother or sister. Luckily for us, this topic isn’t a new one. It’s been tried and tested through some great men of the scriptures. A few passages come to mind when thinking of disagreements within the Bible, but I’d like to make a few quick observations from Acts 15.
Late in the chapter, Paul and Barnabas begin to make preparations for their upcoming mission trip. This trip was a simple one, and it mainly consisted of stopping at various congregations to see how they were doing (15:36). The problem arises when Barnabas seeks to bring Mark along on the trip. Paul disagreed and quickly reminded him how Mark left them in Pamphylia and withdrew from the work at hand. Verse 39 indicates there was a “sharp disagreement” between the Paul and Barnabas. The Greek root for this term of disagreement is the same word used to describe sour wine. This was definitely a sour moment between the two brothers. So how did they get through it?
- They communicated their differences (15:38) — Paul could have easily been silent in the matter and gone on with Barnabas and Mark. However, his attitude would have likely flowed into his actions and more problems would have spurred. Paul stated his case before they made a decision to depart. Sometimes communication happens, but it happens far too late in the scenario. Problems should be brought to light and discussed as soon as possible.
- They focused on the work (15:39, 40) — Though the two disagreed, they both realized the work still needed to get done. Despite their differences, they found what worked for them to accomplish the goal. Notice how their focus was still on the mission trip and not vainly belittling each other or making harsh remarks. Sometimes our disagreements spiral way out of control and become relentless in division.
- They continued in their purpose (15:41) — Barnabas took Mark and sailed off to Cyprus. Paul took Silas and went off to Syria and Cilicia. Both of them fulfilled their duties in the Lord and “strengthened the churches.” Their disagreement did not detract from their ministry. Likewise, our disagreements don’t have to negatively impact our work with God.
Unfortunately, disagreements often lend themselves to a lot of regrets, permanent insults, and weighty heartbreak. This situation was different than most, and it’s likely because they kept their Christian values in check. We looked at three actions they took, but what did they NOT do? They didn’t call each other names, they didn’t gossip about the situation, they didn’t slam one another at other congregations, they didn’t think less of the other, and they didn’t let a small hiccup become an eternal problem.
Somewhere down the line, Paul and Mark grew closer together. In his last letter before his death, Paul tells the Timothy “get Mark and bring him with you, for he is very useful to me for ministry.” We must never let disagreements permanently separate us from our brothers and sisters; after all, we’re all headed to the same location. It’s OKAY to disagree, just don’t let it cause you to drift from your purpose of extending God’s love to everyone.
Tyler King