Matthew 10:29-39

29Think about this. People sell two birds for just one small coin. But God takes care of these little birds. Not one of them can fall to the ground unless God lets it happen.

30God even knows how many hairs there are on your head.

31So do not be afraid of those people who are against you. You are more valuable to God than many little birds.

32You should say clearly to other people, “I believe in Jesus.” If you do that, I will say to my Father in heaven, “This is someone who is my disciple.”

33But if you say to other people, “I do not believe in Jesus,” I will then say to my Father in heaven, “I do not know that person. He is not one of my disciples.”

34I will tell you why I have come into the world. I did not come so that everyone would agree with each other. No, I came to put people against one another, to fight against each other.

35A man will fight against his father. A daughter will fight against her mother. A woman will fight against her husband's mother.

36A man's own family will fight against him.

37Nobody should love his own father and mother more than he loves me. If he does, he cannot be my disciple. Nobody should love his own son or daughter more than he loves me. If he does, then he cannot be my disciple.

38If you really want to be one of my disciples, you must be ready to die for me. Live like a person who carries his own cross to go and die.

39Whoever wants to keep his life safe will lose it. But whoever gives his life to serve me will have true life.’