Day 310, or November the 6th. Never hold a grudge.
Our thoughts today are rooted in Acts chapter
15, verse 38. But Paul did not think it wise
to take John Mark, because he had deserted them
in Pamphylia, and had not continued with them
in the work. And now the big picture surrounding
this verse. The first missionary journey is completed
and lasts two years. It is followed by the Jerusalem
Council, which resolves some of the established
regulations of Judaism that were proving to be
stumbling blocks for some converts. Soon after
this, the second missionary journey begins. This
will last three years and takes the northern
route through Lebanon and Syria, and then west
into modern Turkey. And now today's action step.
We don't know the details of why Paul didn't
want to work with John Mark, who was Barnabas'
cousin, according to Colossians 4 .10. The text
doesn't help us, but it is clear that Paul would
not contemplate working with him, as he had previously
let the team down. 15 .38 I am sure Paul could
justify his actions in his own mind and before
God. But if his attitude had slipped into a grudge,
then it would have been detrimental to the work
of God. Happily, we can glean from Paul's last
letter to Timothy that John Mark and he were
reconciled, but we don't know the details. 2
Timothy 4 .11 tells us, Bring Mark with you when
you come, for he will be helpful to me in my
ministry. Disagreements can easily slip into
grudges. and before you know where you are, they
have become feuds and are almost insoluble. All
workplaces, schools, homes and church fellowships
include people who are not easy to get on with.
That's why Jesus commands us to love one another.
We have no choice if we want to go on with Christ
and be useful. If you are holding a grudge inside
or outside the church, you must resolve it even
if it means eating some humble pie. We need to
hold on to Christ and not grudges, and then we
can grow.