Then the contention became so sharp that they parted from one another.  And so Barnabas took Mark and sailed to Cyprus; but Paul chose Silas and departed...

(Acts 15:39, 40a)

Relationships that begin in a fruitful and healthy way often end up tragically ending.  Marriages become divorces.  Friends walk away from each other.  Parents and children become estranged.  Church members separate and go different ways, etc. etc.

This happened to 3 notable people of God in the Bible.  Paul was zealous, and on fire for the Lord.  Barnabas was kind, compassionate, and a leader in the Church.  And John Mark was raised in a religious home, and later wrote the Gospel of Mark.

They had traveled together spreading the Good News of Jesus Christ.  But they fell out of relationship with one another.  It all boiled down to each of them "GIVING UP" in a different way.

Mark gave up on finishing the Missionary Journey they were on.  Because of that, Paul gave up on Mark. And because of that, Barnabas gave up on Paul. 

Have you given up on someone that you were close to because of a disagreement?  Is your relationship strained to the point that you don't even speak to them anymore?  Perhaps it is time to take another look at your relationship and mend some fences.  God's people should get along with one another.  It is not God's will that we can't get along.

In the case of Paul and John Mark, the Bible tells us in 2 Timothy 4:11 that Paul later sent for Mark saying that he was valuable to him in ministry.  Perhaps Paul realized that he had given up on Mark too soon.

During times like these, we need the love and fellowship of one another.  If you have someone you have been separated from, maybe you should call them up and let them know that they are valuable to you.  It just may bless both of you and the Kingdom of God as well.