2024_11_22 Insight Post- David Schleyer
This week’s reading- Colossians 4:10, Acts 12:25, Acts 13:1-13, Acts 15:36-41, Philemon 24, 2 Timothy 4:11
Near the end of his life, Paul wrote something that surprises me: “Bring Mark with you when you come, for he will be helpful to me in my ministry” (2 Timothy 4:11, NLT). This simple request shows just how much Paul and Mark’s relationship had changed- and it’s a powerful reminder that even the messiest friendships can be repaired.
Here’s the backstory: years earlier, Paul and Mark had a falling out. In Acts 15, we read about a big argument between Paul and Barnabas over whether Mark should come along on a missionary trip. Mark had bailed on them during an earlier mission, and Paul saw that as a major red flag. To Paul, Mark just couldn’t be trusted. The disagreement was so intense that it led to Paul and Barnabas going their separate ways, with Barnabas taking Mark and Paul choosing Silas instead.
But thankfully, that wasn’t the end of their story. Over time, Mark worked to prove himself and showed he was reliable, faithful, and committed to the mission. And, eventually, Paul noticed. By the time Paul was nearing the end of his life, he wanted Mark by his side. He’d seen a new side of him, and their relationship had been healed. It’s such a great example of how fractured friendships can not only be fixed but can grow deeper and stronger.
This whole story about Paul and Mark reminds us that relationships don’t have to be perfect to be meaningful. People make mistakes, and sometimes we’re going to let each other down. But that doesn’t mean a friendship is over. When we give people room to grow and change, amazing things can happen.
Honestly, I’ve had moments like this in my own life, where someone let me down- or, more likely, I let someone else down- and it felt like the end of the road. But, looking back, the friendships that survived those hard times are some of the strongest ones I have today. Those are the people who really know me, flaws and all, and I’ve come to see that being willing to be forgiven or to forgive and rebuild can lead to some of the most meaningful connections.
Paul and Mark’s story reminds us to hold onto hope for the people in our lives, even when things get messy. We never know when someone who once disappointed us might end up being the friend who’s there when it matters most.
David Schleyer
Elementary Small Group Leader