When Strong Believers Disagree

Scripture: Acts 15:39

Sometimes we imagine that mature believers never experience relational tension.

Scripture tells a different story.

Paul and Barnabas — two faithful missionaries — experienced such a sharp disagreement that they parted ways. These weren’t immature believers. These were Spirit-led leaders.

And yet… conflict still happened.

This should both humble and comfort us.

Conflict itself is not always the failure. Sometimes the greater test is how we carry our hearts through it.

What’s striking is that God still used both ministry paths. The mission continued. The Gospel advanced. And later, Paul would again affirm Mark’s usefulness in ministry.

God is able to work even when relationships feel strained — but He still calls us to pursue humility, forgiveness, and openness.

If you’re walking through relational tension right now, don’t panic. Don’t harden your heart. Stay soft before God.

Maturity isn’t conflict-free living.

It’s Gospel-shaped living in the middle of conflict.

Prayer:

Lord, keep my heart soft when tension rises. Help me respond with humility and trust You to work even in difficult moments. Amen.