DISAGREE WITHOUT BEING DISAGREEABLE

Proclamation:

"Some time later Paul said to Barnabas, ‘Let us go back and visit the believers in all the towns where we preached The Word of The Lord and see how they are doing.’  Barnabas wanted to take John, also called Mark, with them, but Paul did not think it wise to take him, because he had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not continued with them in the work.  They had such a sharp disagreement that they parted company.  Barnabas took Mark and sailed to Cyprus, but Paul chose Silas and left …” Acts 15:36-40 (NIV)

Explanation:

Under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God, Luke, the physician and frequent traveling companion of the Apostle Paul, recorded these words documenting a disagreement between two of the apostles.  Paul wanted to return to the towns where he and Barnabas had preached.  Barnabas wanted to take John Mark with them but Paul did not think that was a good idea.  They could not agree, so they agreed to disagree, and went their separate ways and continued to do the work of The Lord.  It is possible to disagree with someone without being disagreeable.

Application:

It is difficult for two people to agree on everything.  Even people who like and love each other will not always agree.  Christians will not always agree on every issue.  Here The Bible records the fact that even the apostles did not always agree.  It is not surprising to hear about members of the church who disagree with one another.  The disagreement, usually over something minor, is not the issue.  What is important is how they handle their differences.  Others, believers and non-believers, may see or hear about the disagreement and be affected by it.  We need to exercise good Christian behavior even when we disagree with someone, especially when that someone is also a child of God.  The work of The Lord should not stop just because two people disagree.  After each of you has stated your position and all of your supporting facts, and it is clear that you do not agree, continuing to argue, especially loudly and forcefully, is pointless and usually leads to very non-Christian language and behavior.  It may be better to separate and part company when you strongly disagree with someone.  Your disagreement should not cause a brother to "fall" into sin or cause a lost soul to "turn" from Christ.  Agree to disagree, but do not become disagreeable in the process.