Going separate ways, that's ok, really it is!!

Maybe it's just me, but I find sometimes with friendships that I have this expectation that they shouldn't sour or result in a parting of ways.

In the bible Paul and Barnabas parted ways over a disagreement. Did this make them less? Actually perhaps it's admirable that they recognised there differences and moved on. Maybe it's a practise that should be used more today, rather than making like all is well, 2 disagreeing party's could mutually agree to move on. Rather than let things fester and continually churn and gossip about the other party, maybe there is merit in moving on like Paul and Barnabas did.

Acts 15:36-16:10 (http://www.biblegateway.com)

New International Reader's Version (NIRV)

 

Paul and Barnabas Do Not Agree

³⁶ Some time later Paul spoke to Barnabas. “Let’s go back to all the towns where we preached the word of the Lord,” he said. “Let’s visit the believers and see how they are doing.” ³⁷ Barnabas wanted to take John Mark with them. ³⁸ But Paul didn’t think it was wise to take him. Mark had deserted them in Pamphylia. He hadn’t continued with them in their work. ³⁹ Barnabas and Paul strongly disagreed with each other. So they went their separate ways. Barnabas took Mark and sailed for Cyprus. ⁴⁰ But Paul chose Silas. The believers asked the Lord to give his grace to Paul and Silas as they went. ⁴¹ Paul traveled through Syria and Cilicia. He gave strength to the churches there.

I remember our youth group being a rather small group and sometimes it felt like we were forced into getting along and being close friends when there were differences as wide as the ocean.

We are all different and gravitate to different personalities, yes we should be civil, but we should also know when separation is the best option.

And no I am not suggesting this for marriage.