Acts 15 | Renewed Grace

Monday: Read Acts 15:1-5
Watch Daily Devotion

Approximately sixteen years had passed since the Spirit fell on the early Church, and there were still growing pains. As more Gentiles came to faith and joined the Church, new questions began to surface. Acts fifteen shows two deeply committed groups with different convictions. Neither side was the villain or the hero—they both genuinely believed they were honoring God. Rather than break fellowship or resort to division, they chose to bring the matter to the Apostles. While each side may have hoped for their position to be affirmed, there also seemed to be a willingness to listen, learn, and be corrected if necessary.

These believers had other options. They could have ignored each other, gossiped, or walked away entirely. Instead, they made the journey—both physically and spiritually—to seek a godly resolution. This is a powerful reminder that conflict, though uncomfortable, does not have to lead to division. When approached in a healthy and humble way, it can actually lead to greater unity and clarity in the mission. Taking the journey toward peace is rarely easy, but it is always worth it. If you are facing tension in your relationships or community, be encouraged to lean in and pursue resolution with grace. The journey may be difficult, but the peace, growth, and deeper unity that come from seeking resolution are far more valuable than the ease of walking away.

Spiritual Practice: Pursuing Unity Through Grace

When tensions rose in the early Church over how to handle differences between Jewish and Gentile believers, the easy path would have been division. But the leaders and communities chose to lean in—to talk, to listen, and to seek the Lord together. Their humility opened the door for a unified decision that strengthened the Church rather than splintering it. Today, we are still called to that same grace-filled pursuit of unity. Disagreements will come, even among believers with sincere convictions. But through humility, patience, and a shared desire to honor Christ, we can turn moments of tension into testimonies of peace. Unity does not mean sameness—it means love and mutual submission for the sake of the gospel.

1. Pause to Listen Without Defending: Before speaking your perspective, take time to truly listen to the heart behind someone else’s convictions. Choose curiosity over critique, and let your first goal be understanding, not winning.

2. Pray for Unity, Not Just Agreement: Ask God to help you desire unity more than being right. Pray for the Spirit to lead both you and others into truth, humility, and mutual honor.

3. Initiate the Conversation with Grace: If there is tension in a relationship or community, take the first step toward healthy dialogue. Speak gently, assume the best, and invite God into the conversation to guide the outcome.

Want to Dig Deeper?

Study: Acts 15:28, Ephesians 4:2–3, Colossians 3:13–14, James 3:17–18

Tueday: Read Acts 15:6-21
Watch Daily Devotion

If you are a parent of multiple children, or grew up with siblings, you know how meaningful it is when children get along. But you also know that conflict is almost inevitable. Even in the healthiest families, disagreements happen. The early Church was no different. In Acts 15, a significant concern was raised and debated among believers, yet Peter still addressed everyone in the room as “brothers.” That word matters. He may not have personally known everyone present, and he was about to challenge some of their deeply held beliefs, but he still acknowledged their shared faith in Christ as the bond that made them family.

It is worth pausing to reflect on how we view those within our churches. Do we see fellow believers as strangers or as family members? When we disagree, do we treat each other with the same grace and commitment we offer to those we love? The Bible describes the Church as one body, one bride, and one family made up of people from every background. For those with difficult family histories, the principle still holds—are we willing to view believers as chosen family or do we keep them at arm’s length? Peter’s choice to call everyone “brothers” challenges us to relate to one another not by opinions or positions, but by the deeper truth that we belong to the same family in Christ.

Spiritual Practice: Family First: Practicing Unity in the Household of Faith

In the early Church, even amid disagreements and debates, Peter reminded the believers of their deeper bond by calling them “brothers.” It was a simple but profound choice of words, one that recognized their unity in Christ above all differences. In the same way, the Church today is not merely an organization but a family—imperfect, diverse, and often messy, but united by the Spirit of God. Pursuing unity starts by choosing to see others not as opponents, but as spiritual siblings. When we shift our mindset from division to devotion—to God and to one another—we open the door for grace, healing, and deeper relationships that reflect the heart of Christ.

1. Name the Family Bond: When interacting with fellow believers, especially during disagreement or tension, remind yourself (and sometimes them) that you are family in Christ. Begin your conversations with that mindset: “This is my brother, this is my sister.” It softens the heart and sets the tone.

2. Commit to Stay Connected: Just like in any family, unity takes work. Make the choice not to withdraw or isolate when things get uncomfortable. Instead, stay engaged, choosing love and grace over distance and dismissal.

3. Pray for the Body, Not Just Yourself: Take time to intercede regularly for others in your church or faith community. Ask God to build unity, deepen love, and heal divisions. Prayer changes our posture and cultivates a heart that sees people through God’s eyes.

Want to Dig Deeper?

Study: John 13:35, Romans 12:10, Galatians 6:10, 1 Peter 3:8

Wednesday: Read Acts 15:22-29
Watch Daily Devotion

No one enjoys conflict, but ignoring it does not make it disappear. In Acts 15, the early Church faced a deeply divisive issue that had the potential to fracture the unity between Jewish and Gentile believers. Instead of avoiding the tension or trying to please everyone, the Apostles and elders listened carefully to both sides, weighed the testimonies, and made a decision. What stands out is their willingness to take responsibility—not only by choosing a direction but by clearly communicating it through a written letter and trusted messengers. They understood that leadership means not staying silent when clarity is needed. Their action was not about picking favorites, but about preserving the unity of the Church and giving guidance that was rooted in grace and truth.

There is a temptation in our lives today to avoid confrontation for the sake of peace, but true peace does not come through silence. It comes through wisdom, clarity, and love in action. Whether in your family, friendships, or church community, unresolved conflict can slowly divide hearts and distort truth. Choosing to speak up, make decisions, and pursue reconciliation will rarely feel easy or comfortable—but it is necessary. This passage reminds us that being peacemakers means being willing to face the hard conversations and still choosing unity. Seeking peace is not about keeping everyone happy, it is about honoring God and His people by leading with courage and clarity.

Spiritual Practice: Speak the Truth in Love

In Acts 15, the leaders of the early Church faced a conflict that could have torn the community apart. Instead of avoiding the issue, they chose to listen well, decide wisely, and communicate clearly. Their boldness was not rooted in pride but in a desire to preserve unity in the truth. This reminds us that unity is not maintained by silence or people-pleasing—it is strengthened when we address conflict with humility, courage, and love. As followers of Jesus, we are called to be peacemakers who do not shy away from hard conversations but walk into them with grace and clarity, always aiming to honor God and care for His people.

1. Listen Before You Lead: Before responding in moments of disagreement, pause to listen well. Seek to understand the perspectives involved without rushing to judgment.

2. Speak with Grace and Clarity: When it's time to speak, choose words that are both honest and kind. Do not let fear of offense keep you from truth, but do not let truth become a weapon. Lead with a heart anchored in love, not in the need to be right.

3. Pursue Peace, Not Popularity: True unity often requires uncomfortable decisions. Be willing to take a stand when necessary—not to win an argument but to guard the health of relationships and the mission of the Church. Aim for reconciliation, not agreement at all costs.

Want to Dig Deeper?

Study: Proverbs 27:6, Ephesians 4:15, Romans 14:19, James 3:17–18

Thursday: Read Acts 15:30-35
Watch Daily Devotion

After the decision from the Jerusalem council was delivered, Paul and Barnabas returned to Antioch with Judas and Silas to share the encouraging news. It is easy to overlook how necessary this moment was. The false teaching that had spread earlier could have shaken the confidence of many new believers, causing them to question the grace of God and their place in the Church. Conflict, even when resolved, can still leave behind confusion, wounds, and doubts. That is why it was not enough to just send a letter. God, in His wisdom, saw fit to send trusted leaders to stay and help rebuild what may have been weakened—to restore unity and strengthen faith.

This is a beautiful picture of how the Church can respond after conflict. Healthy resolution is not just about ending an argument—it is about restoring hearts, rebuilding trust, and reminding people of the truth. Judas and Silas did not just deliver a decision; they stayed and encouraged the believers, speaking into the very areas that may have been damaged. In our own lives and churches, we are called to do the same. When conflict has left others confused or discouraged, we have the opportunity to come alongside them, speak truth in love, and help restore unity. Healing does not always happen in a moment, but when we are willing to stay and serve, we become part of the ministry of reconciliation that keeps the Church strong and united.

Spiritual Practice: Rebuilding Unity After Conflict

When the early Church faced division, the decision of the Jerusalem council brought clarity but the work of healing was not finished. Judas and Silas were sent not only to deliver truth, but to stay, encourage, and rebuild what conflict had damaged. True unity is not just the absence of division; it is the presence of restored trust, strengthened faith, and reaffirmed love. In the aftermath of conflict—whether personal or communal—believers are called to step in, not step away. This spiritual practice focuses on remaining present, speaking truth in love, and being part of the healing that unity requires.

1. Be Present After the Storm: Do not rush past resolved conflict. Take time to follow up with those who may feel uncertain or hurt. Your presence, like Judas and Silas, can help rebuild what arguments may have shaken.

2. Speak Words That Heal, Not Just Clarify: While truth is essential, restoration often requires encouragement. Remind others of God’s grace, their value in the body of Christ, and the good that can still come after division.

3. Commit to the Ministry of Reconciliation: Unity is sustained when we commit to more than just avoiding conflict—we pursue healing. Be a peacemaker who does not leave when things are fragile but stays to serve, support, and strengthen.

Want to Dig Deeper?

Study: Romans 15:1–2, 2 Corinthians 5:18 , Galatians 6:1–2, Ephesians 4:2–3

Friday: Read Acts 15:36-41
Watch Daily Devotion

Even among faithful and Spirit-led believers, disagreements can arise. In Acts 15:36–41, Paul and Barnabas disagreed over whether to bring John Mark with them. It was not a small issue. Both men held strong convictions, and as a result, they chose to go separate ways. Yet Scripture does not frame this moment as a failure. Instead, we see how God used the situation ultimately to expand the reach of the gospel. Paul took Silas, and Barnabas took Mark, and two teams were now carrying the message forward. Conflict, when handled with integrity, does not have to destroy unity. Sometimes, parting for a season can still serve a greater purpose when our hearts remain submitted to God.

This moment also reminds us that unity is not the absence of disagreement, but the presence of grace. We will not always see eye to eye in ministry or in life, but how we respond to conflict speaks volumes. Do we hold tightly to our pride, or do we trust God to work through the tension? Even though Paul and Barnabas disagreed, they did not abandon the mission. In the same way, we are called to keep walking in love, to give space for God to restore and redirect, and to trust that even through difficult moments, He is still building His Church. Conflict may challenge us, but it also gives us a chance to grow in humility, faith, and love.

Spiritual Practice: Pursuing Unity When We Part Ways

Acts 15 reminds us that even faithful believers like Paul and Barnabas can face sharp disagreements. Yet their parting did not mark a breakdown of unity—it marked a moment where grace allowed for continued mission. True unity does not require total agreement, but it does require humility, love, and trust in God's sovereign hand. This spiritual practice helps us respond to conflict with integrity, allowing room for disagreement while remaining committed to Christ’s mission and our shared identity in Him.

1. Humility: Acknowledge that even strong convictions must be held with grace. Ask God to guard your heart from pride and to give you a teachable spirit, especially when you disagree with fellow believers.

2. Respond Without Retaliation: Refuse to let disagreement breed division. Speak respectfully, honor the other person’s intentions, and choose words that preserve dignity even if you must walk separate paths.

3. Trust God to Work Through the Tension: Remember that disagreement does not mean defeat. Keep your heart open to reconciliation and trust that God can still multiply fruitfulness through paths that diverge—just as He did with Paul and Barnabas.

Want to Dig Deeper?

Study: Proverbs 15:1, Romans 12:18, Colossians 3:13–14, Philippians 2:3–4