Speaking Gently

Scripture: From Paphos, Paul and his companions sailed to Perga in Pamphylia, where John left them to return to Jerusalem. Acts 13:13

Observation: This might be one of the great understated sentences in history. Something happened between John-Mark and Paul that was so significant that Paul considered Mark's departure as abandonment - effectively a treasonous act. He refused to work with Mark for DECADES (though finally forgiving him). At one time, he even refused to work with anyone who dared consider it okay to work with Mark.

This is Mark we're talking about ... writer of the Gospel of Mark; first-hand follower of Jesus; personal witness of Jesus' arrest; prominent member of the church in Jerusalem; companion of Peter.

So what happened? Luke doesn't care. All he says here is the facts: John-Mark left them and returned to Jerusalem. 'Nuff said.

Application: Luke is modeling something I desperately need to learn ... Grace in speaking about others. Guaranteed Luke knows what happened. As a friend of Paul's, he probably heard the story dozens of times. However, he isn't going to talk about it.

Doing so could only sully Mark's reputation, and Mark is a brother in Christ. Tearing down another Christian has always served Satan's purposes in discrediting the Church itself in the eyes of non believers. So Luke shows grace toward Mark, allowing him to simply depart from the pages of Acts.

I never show this kind of grace. I am SO quick to express my dissatisfaction and disagreement with others. I speak poorly of their actions when they make a mistake, and do so openly. I show no grace, no love, no kindness, no gentleness, no patience.

Luke knows Mark did something, but he ain't gonna talk about it. I need to learn to shut up, show grace, and allow others to be defined by their love of Jesus rather than my perception that the erred.

Prayer: Lord, this is tied to my shortcoming in showing love to others. It is the command Jesus added for us - love one another. If I loved others, I wouldn't be quick to speak of their shortcomings ... I wouldn't even acknowledge they have shortcomings. I do pray that you continue to guide me and correct me in this issue, so I may learn love, and thus exhibit grace toward others. Amen.