You Have Your Life, And I Have Mine

"After some days Paul said to Barnabas, “Let us return and visit the brethren in every city in which we proclaimed the word of the Lord, and see how they are.” Barnabas wanted to take John, called Mark, along with them also. But Paul kept insisting that they should not take him along who had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not gone with them to the work. And there occurred such a sharp disagreement that they separated from one another, and Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed away to Cyprus. But Paul chose Silas and left, being committed by the brethren to the grace of the Lord. (Acts 15:36-40) 

Can you believe this disagreement and separation happened between the Apostle Paul and Barnabas, who became very close friends, and partners in the ministry of the Gospel. This happens among couples, family members, close friends. business associates. It is sad to read this account, and wonder why they couldn't have worked things out.

There are times when separation is the only answer, when there is such a strong conflict among people. This is reading between the lines, but I believe that (even though there developed this conflict and separation) it did not take away their love and concern for each another. I believe they still prayed for each other, as they continued separately to minister for the Lord Jesus Christ. This is not mentioned, but I believe that the concern was still there.

Just because we disagree and separate ourselves from others, does not mean that we should never care about them, or stop praying for them. Paul wrote to the Christians at Rome: "If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men."(Romans 12:18) 

Instead of constant criticism, why not put our energy into praying for those who we are in conflict with. We might be surprised at the results the Lord will bring. GP

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Hurting Each Other

"I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me. And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one: I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me." (John 17:20-23) 

What does the church need to show the world? I am sure there would be several answers to that question. But I am going to cut to the chase, and say that (according to our text) the church needs to show the world what "unity" is all about. Jesus said it in His prayer (John 17:23).
"May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as You have loved Me." Jesus makes it very clear in His prayer, that we are all in this together. The Father and Son and all of us believers share in a love that is so sincere, deep, and strong. So if that is true, then why do we as brothers and sisters in Christ, keep hurting each other? Why do the New Testament writers admonish their readers over and over to get along and support one another in the body of Christ?

We hear these words in the Carpenters song entitled: "Hurting each other" written by Gary Geld; Peter Udell:
"All my love I give gladly to you 
All your love You give gladly to me 
Tell me why then Oh why should it be that 
We go on hurting each other We go on hurting each other 
Making each other cry Hurting each other 
Without ever knowing why" 
I'll end with this question to us as the Christian community:
What does the world think, when we profess to follow Jesus Christ, and yet do this type of thing? GP 

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