People Can Change

Acts 13:13(NLT)

Paul and his companions then left Paphos by ship for Pamphylia, landing in Port town of Perga. There, John Mark left them and returned to Jerusalem.

Acts 15:37-39(NLT)

V. 37 Barnabas agreed and wanted to take along John Mark.

V. 38 But Paul disagreed strongly, since John Mark had deserted them in Pamphylia and has not continued with them in their work.

V. 39 Their disagreement was so sharp that they separated. Barnabas took John Mark with him and sailed for Cyprus.

2 Timothy 4:11(NLT)

Only Luke is with me. Bring John Mark when you come, for he will be helpful to me in my ministry.

What a transformation and evolving of a person.

Even with a God transformed life, we have to be committed to change, with discipline and prayer, John Mark grow up and Paul gave him another chance.

A lot of times, when people do us wrong we can totally give up on them and do not give them time to grow.

Obviously, Paul saw a transformation in John Mark,  instead of remembering how he was the last time he had encountered him.

People can change.

Now Barnabas never separated from John Mark doing his maturation, maybe John Mark was his assignment, he was his cousin, Barnabas was so committed to John Mark that it affected his relationship with Paul.

But Paul knew that there are certain people that cannot come with you at points of your life, it would not be healthy for you or them.

Like Paul, we don’t have to be around people to see their transformation, unless it is our child or close relative, but even then, we must set boundaries.

We all have been immature, but that is not an excuse for bad behavior, some of us get better but some do not.

The kind of immaturity I’m talking about in others are:

1. Not keeping your word

2. Being late

3. Giving up on things easily

4. Commitment issues

5. Laziness

6. Lack of discipline

That person has to be committed to change, that person has to be willing to put the work in.

Best proof of change is changed behavior.

Actions can speak louder than words.

Obviously, something happened with John Mark that caused Paul to believe in him

According to the bible timeline, most theologians believe John Mark was 15-17 years old in Acts 13 when he deserted the ministry, and 30 -40 years old in 2 Timothy when Paul received him again.

There is no perfect timetable but a pretty good gap.

As we all evolve and grow in this life, we should be willing to let others evolve and grow also.

Most people we may never be aligned with them like they once were, but we can be encouraged by their transformation.

In this canceled society where one bad decision can mess up a person’s life and livelihood, hopefully we can show some grace.

People can change if they really want to, and do the work on themselves.

Maybe if we give them the space, show them the grace, and give them the time to change, they will.

People can change, just like we have.