Striving Toward Love

Even though we are called to love others as ourselves (part of the GREATEST commandment – Matthew 22:37-40); be identified as Jesus’ disciples through our love for one another (John 13:35); and preach a Gospel of love, there are situations where there is little unity shown among Christians. As we carry the torch of light into a world of darkness, we must be the example for others to follow…as we follow Christ. We must strive to be peacemakers for we will be called children of God (Matthew 5:9).

During Apostle Paul’s first ‘missionary journey,’ he travelled with Barnabas and John Mark (Barnabas’ cousin) from Jerusalem. As the journey was getting on its way, John Mark departed from them and returned to Jerusalem (Acts 13:13-14). Sometime later Paul and Barnabas decided to return to each city they preached the word to see how the people were getting along (Acts 15:36). Barnabas wanted to bring John Mark with them, but Paul sharply disagreed because he left them on the last journey. Their disagreement was so severe that they separated – Paul departed with Silas and Barnabas with John Mark.

A disagreement divided these men, but it did not hinder the preaching of the Gospel, similar to today – but there’s more (we’ll get to it shortly). There are many disagreements where people separate, never to speak with one another again. The people continue in their service for God and seem to be ‘successful’ in their efforts.

Do you believe God wants these types of disagreements among His children?

Matthew 18:15-17 – Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican.

Today, most people would rather not to speak with the person ever again instead of seeking reconciliation…

In Paul’s later letters, he and John Mark settled whatever differences they may have had. John Mark is found in the presence of Paul during his Roman imprisonment (Colossians 4:10-11; Philemon 23-24):

Colossians 4:10-11 – Aristarchus my fellowprisoner saluteth you, and Marcus, sister’s son to Barnabas, (touching whom ye received commandments: if he come unto you, receive him;) And Jesus, which is called Justus, who are of the circumcision. These only are my fellowworkers unto the kingdom of God, which have been a comfort unto me.

(The first missionary journey for Paul occurred between 44-46 A.D. Colossians was written between 61-63 A.D.)

In the few references of Barnabas after their separation, Paul also reconciled with him. Though their missions may have taken them in separate directions, it did not prevent their ability to reconcile with one another (1 Corinthians 9:3-6).

(1 Corinthians was written around 57 A.D.)

As living letters of God to be read by all, let us walk worthy of the vocation we have been called and allow God to be glorified in all our ways. People from inside and outside of the church are watching, not to mention the Lord! Let us strive to unify with our brothers and sisters in love and reconcile our differences.

Ephesians 4:1-3 – I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

Additional scripture references:

Galatians 6:1 – Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.

Proverbs 17:9 – He that covereth a transgression seeketh love; but he that repeateth a matter separateth very friends.

Proverbs 19:11 – The discretion of a man deferreth his anger; and it is his glory to pass over a transgression.

Photo courtesy of Photo courtesy of Stock.XCHNG.com/lusi