[Devotional] IN HIS PRESENCE: Be a Barnabas to someone

Read: ACTS 15:36-41

Meditation verse:

“And be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving one another, even as  Christ forgave you” (Ephesians 4:32).

It is impossible for any relationship to exist, devoid of offenses. Luke 17:1 says,  “it is impossible that no offenses should come”. It comes with little surprise  therefore to see great preachers like Paul and Barnabas disagree to the point of  going their separate ways. When Paul and Barnabas were about to depart for  their second missionary journey, they disagreed sharply over Mark, a young  missionary-in-training who had abandoned them during their first missionary  journey. Barnabas wanted Mark to come along, but Paul insisted that they had  no business taking someone who had deserted them on the job. Despite Mark’s  short coming, Barnabas refused to give up on him.  

Barnabas was specially gifted at recognizing potential in others, as well as  encouraging them to excel in the face of limitations. A respected leader of the  early church, he was originally called Joseph. His gift earned him his new name,  which means ‘son of encouragement’ (Acts 4:36). When Paul arrived Jerusalem  following his conversion, he tried to join the disciples, but they were suspicious  of him. Barnabas it was, who took Paul to the disciples, convincing them that he 

was now a genuine believer in Christ. 

What relationships have you given up on because of one offense or the other?  Have you been betrayed by someone and have vowed in your heart to have nothing more to do with that person? How easy is it for you to give up on your  loved ones when they offend or disappoint you? Barnabas’ kindred spirit is  worth emulating. God does not give up on us despite our shortcomings and  failures. We must be willing to overlook certain offenses, forgive easily and give  people a second chance. We can only wonder what would have become of Paul  if Barnabas had not intervened or if the Apostles had remained adamant. 

Determine today to restore a broken fellowship. Look for someone you have  given up on and renew your relationship. Mark later reunited with Paul and  became very useful in his ministry (2 Tim 4:11). God can work even through  conflicts and disagreements to fulfill His own purposes. You do not know what  purpose He wants to work out in that relationship you have given up on. 

Remember, “to err is human; to forgive, divine”.

IN HIS PRESENCE is written by Pst (Mrs) Oke Chinye, Founder of The Rock Teaching Ministry (TRTM).

For Prayers and Counseling email rockteachingministry@gmail.com

For more enquiries, visit: www.rockteachingministry.org.