ACTS 15:37-41
Harry S. Truman, the 33rd president of the United States actually had no middle name. His parents could not decide on which of his grandfather’s name he was to bear. They gave him the middle initial S to honour and please both grandfathers, Anderson Shipp Truman and Solomon Young. Since the S did not stand for a name, Harry did not use a period after it for most of his life.
It has been more than 130 years since this conflict between both parents of Harry S. Truman, but we also know that a reasonable resolution was reached.
From our text, we read about another conflict that has lived on in history – between Paul and Barnabas. Barnabas wanted to take Mark along with them, but Paul did not trust Mark because of an earlier incident. They both disagreed and it got so bad that they parted ways.
We still read about this argument that happened about 2,000 years ago. What is more important is not that it lived on in history, but that it did not leave permanent relationship scars. Paul apparently reconciled with Barnabas, and in his final days asked for Mark and referred to him as being “profitable” to him (2 Timothy 4:11).
Conflicts occur. But we must ensure they are resolved. Grudges are a burden too heavy to carry.
A grudge is one thing that does not get better when it is nursed. Make peace today!
* Father, let mercy, forgiveness and restoration stem from resolving conflict in ways that honour You. We ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.
