In May 1884, two young parents disagreed about what
middle name to give their newborn son. The mom preferred Solomon; the dad,
Shippe – both family names. Because John and Martha couldn’t agree, they
compromised on “S.” Thus Harry S. Truman would become the only US president
with an initial for a middle name.
Over 120 years later, we still know about this
conflict – but we also know that a reasonable resolution was reached.
In the New Testament, we read about another
disagreement that has lived on in history. This one was between two
missionaries: Paul and Barnabas (Acts 15). Barnabas wanted to take Mark with
them on a trip to check on some churches they had helped previously (v.37). But
Paul did not trust Mark because of an earlier incident (v.38). Paul and
Barnabas disagreed so sharply that they parted ways (v.39).
We still read about this argument 2,000 years later.
What’s important is not that it lived on in history, but that it didn’t leave
permanent relationship scars. Paul apparently reconciled with Barnabas, and in
his final days asked for Mark to be with him because “he is useful to me for
ministry” (2 Tim 4:11).
Arguments happen. But let’s make sure they are
resolved. Grudges are a burden too heavy to carry.
A grudge is one thing that doesn’t get better when
it’s nursed. (RBC)
