Even though we are called to love others as ourselves (part of the GREATEST commandment - Matthew 22:37-40); be identified as Jesus' disciples through our love for one another (John 13:35); and preach a Gospel of love, there are situations where there is little unity shown among Christians.

As we carry the torch of light into a world of darkness, we must be the example for others to follow...as we follow Christ. We must strive to be peacemakers for we will be called children of God (Matthew 5:9). This is a call for all of us!

During Apostle Paul's first 'missionary journey,' he travelled with Barnabas and John Mark (Barnabas' cousin) from Jerusalem. As the journey was getting on its way, John Mark departed from them and returned to Jerusalem (Acts 13:13-14). Sometime later Paul and Barnabas decided to return to each city they preached the word to see how the people were getting along (Acts 15:36). Barnabas wanted to bring John Mark with them, but Paul sharply disagreed because he left them on the last journey. Their disagreement was so severe that they separated - Paul departed with Silas and Barnabas with John Mark.

A disagreement divided these men, but it did not hinder the preaching of the Gospel, similar to today - but there's more (I'll get to it shortly). There are many disagreements where people separate, never to speak with one another again. The people continue in their work for the Lord and seem to be 'successful' in their service/work.

• Do you believe God wants these types of disagreements among His children?
• Is it enough to be successful while harboring anger and offensive with another brother or sister in Christ?
• What type of image does this set?

Matthew 18:15-17 (WEB) - If your brother sins against you, go, show him his fault between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained back your brother. But if he doesn't listen, take one or two more with you, that at the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the assembly. If he refuses to hear the assembly also, let him be to you as a Gentile or a tax collector.

...today, most people would rather not to speak with the person ever again instead of seeking reconciliation...

In Paul's later letters it seems that he and John Mark settled whatever differences they may have had. John Mark is found in the presence of Paul during his Roman imprisonment (Colossians 4:10-11; Philemon 23-24):

Colossians 4:10-11 (WEB) - Aristarchus, my fellow prisoner, greets you, and Mark, the cousin of Barnabas (concerning whom you received commandments, "if he comes to you, receive him"), and Jesus who is called Justus. These are my only fellow workers for the Kingdom of God who are of the circumcision, men who have been a comfort to me.

(The first missionary journey for Paul occurred between 44-46 A.D. Colossians was written between 61-63 A.D.)

In the few references of Barnabas after their separation, Paul also seemed to have reconciled with him. Though their missions may have taken them in separate directions, it did not prevent their ability to reconcile with one another (1 Corinthians 9:3-6).

(1 Corinthians was written around 57 A.D.)

As living letters of God to be read by all, let us walk worthy of the calling we have been called and allow God to be glorified in all our ways. People from inside and outside of the church are watching...not to mention the Lord! Let us strive to unify with our brothers and sisters in love and reconcile our differences.

Ephesians 4:1-3 (WEB) - I therefore, the prisoner in the Lord, beg you to walk worthily of the calling with which you were called, with all lowliness and humility, with patience, bearing with one another in love; being eager to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

Galatians 6:1 (WEB) - Brothers, even if a man is caught in some fault, you who are spiritual must restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; looking to yourself so that you also aren't tempted.

Proverbs 17:9 (AMP) - He who covers and forgives an offense seeks love, but he who repeats or harps on a matter separates even close friends.

Proverbs 19:11 (AMP) - Good sense makes a man restrain his anger, and it is his glory to overlook a transgression or an offense.