When Christians Collide. Acts 15:36-41
Christians Will Have Conflicts
Paul and Barnabas were both godly men, yet they had a sharp disagreement over whether John Mark should accompany them on their next missionary journey.
Conflict can happen because:
We are sinners and can become focused on ourselves.
We have different personalities, experiences, and perspectives.
We may both have legitimate concerns.
Conflict doesn't necessarily mean someone is ungodly. Sometimes two faithful Christians can genuinely disagree.
Paul and Barnabas Had Different Concerns
Paul's concern: THE WORK
Paul was concerned about the integrity of the gospel mission.
John Mark had previously left the work.
Paul wanted someone with a proven record of faithfulness.
Paul understood that sin and poor decisions can have consequences.
Barnabas' concern: THE PERSON
Barnabas was an encourager who saw potential in people.
He had previously believed in Paul when others wouldn't.
He believed God could transform John Mark just as He had transformed Paul.
His attitude was essentially: “God isn't finished with any of us, so I should not be finished with anyone.”
Sometimes we can be looking at the same situation from different—and even valid—perspectives.
Both Men Had a Point
The frustrating answer is that both Paul and Barnabas were right in different ways.
Both were godly.
Both had legitimate concerns.
Both had Scripture supporting their values.
Both were filled with the Holy Spirit.
Both were used by God.
Most disagreements aren't simply a matter of one person being right and the other being wrong.
We are all sinners, but we also have the Holy Spirit who can give us wisdom even when we're struggling with anger or stubbornness.
Will We Sharpen or Sever?
The Greek word paraxusmos in Acts 15:39 and Hebrews 10:24.
In Acts, the disagreement became sharp enough to sever the relationship between Paul and Barnabas.
Hebrews 10:24, the same word is used positively: “stir up” or “sharpen” one another toward love and good works.
What if our disagreements could sharpen one another rather than sever relationships?
James reminds us to be:
Quick to listen
Slow to speak
Slow to anger
Before trying to make yourself heard, try to fully understand the other person.
God Can Work Through Our Conflicts
Even though Paul and Barnabas separated, God used the situation for His purposes.
Paul took Silas, and they continued to share the gospel.
Barnabas took John Mark, and they continued to share the gospel.
The missionary work continued.
Instead of one missionary team, there were now two!
God's grace doesn't mean our conflicts don't matter. It means God is powerful enough to work even through our mistakes and disagreements.
Romans 8:28
“God works all things together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”
This Week:
When I find myself in conflict, I can ask:
Am I listening to understand?
Am I trying to be right?
Am I considering that the other person may have a valid point?
Am I responding from my flesh or walking in the Spirit?
Are my words sharpening this person toward love and good works—or severing the relationship?