People are going to disagree. That’s simply the nature of life and the nature of having different opinions on different issues.
Sometimes disagreements are about truth. One person is right, and one person is wrong.
Sometimes disagreements are about preference. I may prefer one style of music over another. That’s not a matter of right or wrong.
Sometimes disagreements are about pettiness. Someone may be right, someone may be wrong, but one person is simply making the situation much harder than it needs to be.
Whatever the cause, disagreements are part of life.
And that’s no different for Christians.
In my Bible reading today, I came to Acts 15. During Paul’s first missionary journey, Barnabas and Paul took along a young man named John Mark, the same Mark who would later write the Gospel of Mark. Mark also seems to include a fascinating little detail about himself in his Gospel—that when Jesus was arrested, a young man fled naked after his garment was pulled away (Mark 14:51–52). Many believe that was Mark’s humble way of identifying himself.
Partway through that first missionary journey, however, John Mark left them and returned home to Jerusalem (Acts 13:13). Luke never tells us exactly why. Perhaps he was homesick. Perhaps he became discouraged. Whatever the reason, Paul viewed it as abandoning the work.
There was also a family connection. Barnabas was Mark’s cousin (Colossians 4:10), so when it came time for the second missionary journey, Barnabas wanted to give Mark another opportunity.
Paul disagreed.
Acts 15:39 says,
“Their disagreement was so sharp that they separated.”
On the surface, that feels tragic.
Barnabas had been instrumental in Paul’s life. He was the one who first introduced Paul to the apostles when everyone else feared him (Acts 9:26–27). I’m sure this disagreement was painful for both men.
Yet God, in His providence, worked through it.
Barnabas took Mark and sailed to Cyprus.
Paul chose Silas and traveled through Syria and Cilicia.
Instead of one missionary team, there were now two.
Even more encouraging is what happened later.
Years afterward, Paul writes:
“Mark… has been helpful to me in my ministry.”
Colossians 4:10–11
And near the end of Paul’s life, he tells Timothy:
“Bring Mark with you when you come, for he will be helpful to me in my ministry.”
2 Timothy 4:11
Whatever disagreement once existed had been healed.
That reminds me of several practical truths about Christian disagreement.
First, don’t make every disagreement a reason to end a relationship. Sometimes faithful Christians simply see things differently.
“Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit.” (Ephesians 4:3)
Second, leave room for grace. Barnabas saw potential in Mark when Paul only saw failure. Sometimes people deserve another opportunity because that’s exactly what God has given us.
“Be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another.” (Ephesians 4:32)
Third, don’t let disagreement become bitterness. Paul and Barnabas separated, but there is no indication they became enemies. Years later, Paul gladly welcomed Mark back into ministry.
“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” (Romans 12:18)
Finally, trust God to work even through disagreements. We often assume conflict means God can’t accomplish His purposes. Acts 15 reminds us that sometimes God multiplies His work even through painful situations.
The greatest example is Jesus. Humanity rejected Him, opposed Him, falsely accused Him, and crucified Him. Yet God used mankind’s greatest act of evil to accomplish our greatest salvation.
Not every disagreement will have a happy ending.
But every disagreement is an opportunity to respond in a Christlike way—with humility, grace, forgiveness, and a confidence that God is still at work, even when His people don’t see eye to eye.