Reformed Doctrine Daily Devotions

 ³⁹  And there occurred such a sharp disagreement that they separated from one another, and Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed away to Cyprus.

 ⁴⁰  But Paul chose Silas and left, being committed by the brethren to the grace of the Lord.

 ⁴¹  And he was traveling through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches.”  Acts 15:36-41. 

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Disagreement is the opposite of encouragement, the topic of yesterday’s Scripture and devotion.  Although we should try hard to avoid disagreements, we neither read about blame or adverse consequences arising from this disagreement in today’s Scripture.

Today’s Scripture “accepts” the disagreement as a matter of fact without assigning blame and without mentioning any negative effects of the disagreement on the mission.  Why?

First, we need to learn that disagreements do occur.  Although we should try to resolve them, we may not be able to resolve them at least as quick as we want.  We may never be able to resolve them.  However, we need to learn that we cannot allow such disagreements to paralyze us or cause us to be embittered or to “stew” over such disagreements.  Here, we see each party, Barnabas and Paul, proceed with their own mission without such paralysis, without bitterness, and without simmering discontent.

Second, we need to remember the resources that God has already given us.  It is not coincidental that God greatly encouraged both Paul and Barnabas in the immediately proceeding Scripture.  See yesterday’s devotion.  God often blesses us with such encouragement not only for its own sake but also to give us strength to handle something approaching in the future.  When we are discouraged and in disagreement, we need to look back and be reminded and be refreshed with what God already has done for us.

Third, disagreement keeps us humble and reminds us of our weakness and constant need for God’s help.  “In the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness;  for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words;  and He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.”  Romans 8:26-27.

Fourth, whatever we face, God gives us grace to deal with it and causes all things to work out for good.  Here, we read that Paul was “being committed by the brethren to the grace of the Lord”.  “And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.”  Romans 8:28.  In spite of disagreement, the churches were strengthened.  Acts 15:41.