Loading...

Take the high road

Saturday October 2, 2021
Bob Gass
1 min read

“Tempers flared, and they ended up going…separate ways.” Acts 15:37-39 MSG

Paul and Barnabas had travelled and ministered together, encouraged one other, endured persecution side-by-side, and won many to Christ. But even the best of relationships can go awry, and they were no exception. “Tempers flared, and they ended up going…separate ways.” Paul and Barnabas never intended to hurt each other. They were both good men, and God’s Kingdom was their top priority. God chose Paul to bring the Gospel to the Gentiles, and the Bible calls Barnabas “a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith” (Acts 11:24 NIV). Both agreed on the major issue: namely, revisiting those churches where they’d ministered earlier. They just differed on how to go about it. Barnabas wanted to take John. Paul didn’t; he wanted to take Silas. And it often happens that we agree on what needs to be done but differ on how to accomplish it. Natasha Robinson says it’s important to: (a) Recognize when God brings a relationship to a close and not to try to turn “seasonal” people into lifelong friendships. When He sends certain people into your life, He doesn’t intend them to become permanent partners. Yet because you love them and get attached, it’s hard to let go, even when it’s time. (b) When you part company, make a clean break and don’t let anger make you sin. We’re emotional creatures. It’s easy to get bitter and want to tell your side of the story and consequently end up causing division. Speak “the truth in love” (Ephesians 4:15). Refuse to bad-mouth the other person, and God will honour you. Even if they speak out against you, God knows, and He’ll handle it.

The Word for You Today is authored by Bob and Debby Gass and published under licence from Celebration Enterprises, Inc. Copyright © 2024


Bible in a Year:

Get daily encouragement straight to your inbox!

Start your day with The Word For You Today—a trusted source of daily encouragement designed to speak right to your heart. Whether you're juggling work, family, or just needing a quiet moment with God, these short, powerful devotionals help you stay grounded in faith and hope. It’s like a gentle nudge from a friend reminding you that God is with you, even in the chaos. Perfect with your morning coffee or during school drop-off downtime, The Word For You Today fits beautifully into your routine and brings spiritual encouragement just when you need it most.
We'll never share your email with anyone else.
You'll get an email each morning and you can unsubscribe anytime!

Advertisement

Advertisement

Your gift to The Word For You Today and UCB Radio helps ensure daily encouragement get to people in their darkest times: 

“I read The Word For You Today every morning before my kids wake up. It keeps me grounded and gives me strength to face the day.”
– Jessica, UCB Listener & Mom of 3

Donate

Get positive, uplifting UCB Radio and The Word For You Today wherever you go with our FREE app. 

Download

Let us stand with you and pray for your concerns.

UCB Radio Prayerline is powered by

Request Prayer

Previous Daily Encouragement

Read Today
Fri October 01

The “If only” trap

Author Betty Mahalik says in this day and age we’re surrounded by messages that scream, “My life would be perfect if only I’d a...

Read more
Thu September 30

Use the smile strategy

A pastor tells of being in a church for twelve years. He had a custom during Sunday morning service of calling the children forward...

Read more
Wed September 29

There are no menial jobs

David said, “I’d rather scrub floors in the house of…God than be honored as a guest in the palace of sin” (Psalm 84:10 MSG)...

Read more
Tue September 28

God is only a prayer away

J.C. Penney has died and gone to heaven, but hundreds of department stores across America still carry his name. When he started out in...

Read more
Sun September 26

Change your thinking!

God told His people, “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing!” (Isaiah 43:18-19 NIV)...

Read more

Advertisement

Advertisement