Believe In People

Apostle Grace Lubega

Acts 15:37-40(KJV); And Barnabas determined to take with them John, whose surname was Mark. But Paul thought not good to take him with them, who departed from them from Pamphylia, and went not with them to the work. And the contention was so sharp between them, that they departed asunder one from the other: and so Barnabas took Mark, and sailed unto Cyprus; And Paul chose Silas, and departed, being recommended by the brethren unto the grace of God.

After Paul’s conversion, he was treated with suspicion by the disciples. Having been a chief persecutor of those of the faith, their hesitation to admit him into their circles was inevitable.

In Acts 9:27, the Bible says that regardless of all these suspicions, Barnabas sought him out, took him to the disciples and convinced them that Paul was indeed converted to the faith.

Peter, James and John had walked with Christ. But it was Barnabas that reached out to Paul. The master had taught them how to love men when he was still in the body but Barnabas who was not named among the twelve apostles of the lamb knew better.

Barnabas was indeed a mature spirit. Years later as they planned a missionary journey, Barnabas determined to take John Mark with them, who had deserted them in Pamphylia. Paul was adamant. Because of what John Mark had previously done, he refused to allow him to accompany them on this journey. This caused a great rift between Barnabas and Paul.

Paul forgot that he had once heavily persecuted the church. He was a man with blood on his hands yet Barnabas had believed in him. All John Mark did was desert them on a mission field and to Paul, that was enough to write him off.

Barnabas was the perfect demonstration of the love of Christ. In the scriptures, we do not find any letter written by Barnabas, there is no epistle by him and neither are there revelations of mysteries spoken by him. He did not lay the foundation of the gospel but he did what the Lord and Master would have done, to leave the ninety nine and find the one lost sheep.

Like the scriptures say, ‘And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.’ (1 Corinthians 13:2).

There is a love that breaks a man to understand that our sole ministry is people. You must believe in people regardless of their weaknesses.

FURTHER STUDY: 1 Corinthians 13, 1 John 4:8

GOLDEN NUGGET:

There is a love that breaks a man to understand that our sole ministry is people. You must believe in people regardless of their weaknesses.

PRAYER: Loving Father, I thank you for this Word. Thank you because your banner over me is love. This love flows through me to all that are around me. It causes me to believe in men and to love them past their weaknesses. In love, I reach out to my brothers and sisters, in love I minister. In Jesus’ name, Amen.