BE A BARNABAS TO SOMEONE

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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 forgaveyou” (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 Oke Chinye.
Have you asked Jesus Christ to come into your heart?

He says in Mathew 11:28, “come unto me all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” He longs to give you rest."

Would you like to do so now? Here’s a prayer you can say:
Dear Jesus, I believe that You died to save me from all my sins. Today, I invite you into my heart and I accept you as my Lord and Saviour. Please forgive all my sins and help me to live my life for You.

If you prayed this prayer, send me an email at rockteachingministry@gmail.com

I would love to pray with you personally and send you a copy of my book; ‘Living the Life’ to encourage you as you begin your new life in Christ.

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