Barnabas wanted to take John, also called Mark, with them, but Paul did not think it wise to take him, because he had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not continued with them in the work. They had such a sharp disagreement that they parted company. Barnabas took Mark and sailed for Cyprus, but Paul chose Silas and left, commended by the brothers to the grace of the Lord. He went through Syria and Cilicia , strengthening the churches. - Acts 15: 37-41
Today’s Reading: Job 36-37; Acts 15: 22-41
Friendship is a tricky thing.
When we choose to make strong bonds with people it can be so amazing. Often times these people are drawn to us based on common interests or a common purpose. Sometimes we meet them on a common path. Some of my best friends I met in college. I cannot imagine what my life would be like had I chosen to go to a different school. Some friendships are that powerful.
That is why it is so hurtful when these friendships splinter. We feel betrayed and hurt. We feel misled. We wonder why in the world we opened up to these people. After all they aren’t family anyway. There’s no reason to get so close right? It’s just a whole lot of heartache and pain in the end. It can’t be worth it.
Wrong.
Some relationships are only meant for a season, some for years and others for a lifetime. Most are only meant for a couple days or a week. We all have our own paths to walk. We cannot expect that the people who enter our lives along our path are destined to remain there forever.
And why would we want that? Sure it might seem comforting for a great friend to go along with our dreams and purpose. But truly loving someone means that we have to set them free. We have to encourage them to follow their dreams, to walk their own path to their purpose.
Sometimes that freedom leads them to be close to you. Sometimes that freedom takes them far away. In the case of Paul and Barnabas their disagreement over Mark sent them on different journeys. They were still doing the same great work but could not do it together in that season. Both had to do what they thought was right and as a result, more folks heard their message.
Don’t be afraid to set your friends free. That’s what love is. Even if that freedom leads them away from you, the love that you share means that you will always remain in each other’s hearts.
After all, home is where the heart is anyways. If we have the courage to love our friends enough to set them free, then it is possible that they will be friends for life.
This is so true... I also think friendship and what it means to an individual varies across people based on experiences. I know people that base the quality of a friendship on how often they communicate with one another, how often they see each other, whether or not they are willing to spend a couple hundred dollars to visit (plane tickets...), etc. I like the idea of not being afraid to set your friends free and that home is where the heart is. My friends from college are spread across the country and while we defintely don't see each other all the time and maybe don't talk that often, when we do see each other, things pick up right back where they left off. We don't skip a beat! To me, thats true friendship... to know that they love me and for them to know that I love them even when I can't see them and even if we don't speak everyday.
ReplyDeleteI think of this like the love and friendship we have with Jesus... as imperfect followers of Christ we have ebs and flows of showing our devotion and praise of him through prayer, meditation, reading, attending church, etc. (or maybe thats just me?!) However, I take solace in the fact that no matter how long I am "gone" He will always be there with open arms waiting for me and forgiving me for thinking I can go it "alone". That is a true "friend for life" :)
Beautifully written and so heart felt. :)
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