“Barnabas wanted to take John, also called Mark. But Paul thought it best not to take him, because he had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not accompanied them in the work. Their disagreement was so sharp that they parted company. Barnabas took Mark and sailed for Cyprus.” Acts.15:37-39.
To err is human and to forgive is divine so goes that wise saying. The best of men by the way would be men. As human beings irrespective of your spiritual stature and secular qualifications. You are still subject to frailties and shortcomings. Not to know this, would either mean you are immature or proud. The great Apostle Paul had a very bitter disagreement with his fellow labourer in the Lord’s vineyard over the attitude of John also known as Mark. Paul made up his mind that, He would have nothing to do with such a weak fellow again. Paul took Silas while Barnabas kept faith with John Mark.
Later on, perhaps a few years after, the same Paul said to Timothy “Only Luke is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me for the ministry.” 2 Tim.4:11. This was the same John Mark that Paul rejected a few years back, perhaps Mark had become more mature now. He has braised up and become a die-hard disciple. However, it took Barnabas to believe in Him when the chips were down and he didn’t seem like it. Imagine for a moment, if Barnabas hadn’t kept faith in him when the chips were down. Perhaps he battled with some sense of insecurity and self doubt that was why he quit on them in their first missionary trip, but Barnabas would not use that against him.
We all need someone who believes in us even when we are doubting our strength and capability. You must be that man that believes in people God has brought your way. They don’t have to be perfect. Neither are you too. They don’t have to look like it. You must believe in them, despite their inadequacy. Your husband does not need to be perfect just believe in him, your wife does not need to always be on point, love her in spite of her. Your children do not need to always come tops, just believe in them. Everyone God has brought into your life has a purpose to fulfil, treat them well. God bless you.
FURTHER READING:
“then fill me with joy by having the same attitude, sharing the same love, being united in spirit, and keeping one purpose in mind. Do not act out of selfish ambition or conceit, but with humility think of others as being better than yourselves.” Phil.2:2-3.
“Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty but associate with the lowly. Do not be conceited.” Rom.12:16.
DECLARATION:
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the break of another day, thank You for all you have brought me my way including friends and people. I receive grace and wisdom never to treat any man less than you would have me. I’m ready to be the shoulder they can lean on, the ladder they can climb and the support system they would need. Help me not to fail in this regards. Grant me every wisdom needed to be a blessing not otherwise, grant me the courage to be an inspiration not an aberration. Thank You for all my needs are met according to your riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Amen.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
Matt. 10:1-42. Matt. 11:1-30. Matt. 12:1-50. Matt. 13:1-58.
QUOTE FOR THE DAY:
“You Are Most Alive When You Give Someone Else A Reason To Live.”
The Fortress Int’l Church, 2 Floor 10 Coker Road, Opposite Chicken Republic Ilupeju Lagos, Nigeria. http://www.thefortresschurch.com. Email:info@thefortresschurch.com.
