Tuesday, May 15, 2012

Reasonable Cause for Separation


1 Corinthians 9:6 KJV
Or I only and Barnabas, have not we power to forbear working?

This is the only mention of Paul and Barnabas after their dispute in Acts 15. The thing to see is that there is no hostility in Paul's expression. These two never worked together after their conflict but that does not mean that they forever held a grudge one against the other.

There are reasonable causes for separation one brother from another.
  • Doctrinal or practical differences make division and separation necessary and essential
  • Varying burdens or methodology creates cause for brethren to go different directions
But there is no good reason to hold a grudge or refuse to forgive a brother in Christ. For that matter there isn't a good reason to hold on to a grudge even against a lost man. Our heart ought to always be to seek reconciliation and restoration before God.

Even so, make it so. 

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