26/11/2025
đź”´ The Immature Lack Grace
I’ve been meditating on the conflict between Paul and Barnabas in Acts 15. A disagreement between two strong leaders. But many dont expound on it. Barnabas saw something in John Mark that Paul couldn’t see yet. Barnabas had the grace to believe in someone who had previously failed, while Paul still needed to mature in that area. Their disagreement was sharp enough to split them apart, but God still used it.
Barnabas invested in Mark, and that grace paid off. Mark grew. Paul grew. And eventually Paul admitted that Mark had become “useful” to him in ministry. Barnabas’ grace filled the gap where Paul wasn’t ready yet. Many need to fill gaps with mercy because there are Pauls out there giving up on people constantly.
Today, a lot of people want to be “like Paul” — bold, uncompromising, strong. And this is all true. But they forget that Paul had to grow too. Without maturity and spiritual vision, “being like Paul” can turn into being unforgiving, stubborn, and blind to the bigger picture. Paul needed a Barnabas in his life, someone who could see value where he saw failure.
God places Barnabases in our lives, people who see what we can’t, who extend grace where we’re still learning. And He uses conflict to humble us, stretch us, and shape us into better leaders.
Grateful for those who believed in me before I was ready… and grateful that God keeps maturing me through every season.
Be like Barnabas.
