Partner Wisely
Truthful, loving partnerships are hard to come by. I don’t care if we're talking about business, marriage, or ministry—two people who want the best for each other, love each other’s strengths, and are willing to tell the truth have the recipe for doing something extraordinary together.
Now... two of those things are relatively easy. Wanting the best for someone and appreciating their strengths? That’s doable. Even admirable. But telling the truth? That’s where it gets hard.
I consider myself incredibly blessed. I have that kind of truth-filled, loving partnership with my wife. I experience it with my business partners. And I’ve found it in nonprofit work, too. These relationships are among the most valuable things in my life. I can count on them—even when the work is difficult. We celebrate wins. We wrestle through challenges. And most importantly, we urge each other forward in life because our hearts are aligned around the same mission.
Let’s look at a biblical example of this kind of partnership—one that experienced ups, downs, and everything in between.
Paul & Barnabas
Key Passages: Acts 9, 11, 13–15
1. Love and Loyalty
Barnabas was one of the first believers to trust Paul after his dramatic conversion. While others still feared Paul for his past as a persecutor, Barnabas stepped in as an advocate.
“But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles...”
— Acts 9:27
This act of trust was pivotal—it gave Paul a place among the apostles and helped launch his ministry.
2. Shared Mission
Paul and Barnabas traveled together on Paul’s first missionary journey (Acts 13–14), preaching the gospel, planting churches, and enduring serious hardship. Their partnership was built on a shared love for Jesus and a willingness to suffer for the sake of the Kingdom.
3. Truth in Tension
But even the best partnerships experience friction. In Acts 15:36–41, we read about a moment of deep disagreement:
“They had such a sharp disagreement that they parted company.”
— Acts 15:39
The issue? John Mark. Barnabas wanted to give him a second chance after he had previously abandoned them. Paul wasn’t convinced. Their convictions pulled them in different directions. This wasn’t about ego—it was about a genuine difference in how they believed the mission should move forward.
4. Reconciliation Over Time
Later in life, Paul’s heart softened:
“Get Mark and bring him with you, because he is helpful to me in my ministry.”
— 2 Timothy 4:11
This tells us something powerful—Paul came to respect Barnabas’s perspective and saw the value of John Mark’s restoration. It’s a beautiful reminder that even after tension, truth and love can pave the way to reconciliation and renewed respect.
The mission of expanding the gospel was central to both Paul and Barnabas. Life didn’t get easier. Their opinions didn’t always align. But their hearts stayed rooted in what mattered most—faithfulness to God and the call to make disciples.
If you’re blessed with God-loving, life-giving partnerships, don’t take them for granted. Water them. Celebrate them. Invest in them.
If you don’t yet have that, but you’re seeking it—pray often and link arms with people who share your core values. Small disagreements and differing opinions are inevitable. We’re human. But shared conviction on what matters most will keep you united and moving forward.
We can’t do life, business, or ministry alone. We need each other.
Partner wisely.
-Mark
