Matthew 10:29-39

29 Two sparrows cost only a penny, but not even one of them can die without your Father's knowing it.

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

31 So don't be afraid. You are worth much more than many sparrows.

32 "All those who stand before others and say they believe in me, I will say before my Father in heaven that they belong to me.

33 But all who stand before others and say they do not believe in me, I will say before my Father in heaven that they do not belong to me.

34 "Don't think that I came to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword.

35 I have come so that 'a son will be against his father, a daughter will be against her mother, a daughter-in-law will be against her mother-in-law.

36 A person's enemies will be members of his own family.'

37 "Those who love their father or mother more than they love me are not worthy to be my followers. Those who love their son or daughter more than they love me are not worthy to be my followers.

38 Whoever is not willing to carry the cross and follow me is not worthy of me.

39 Those who try to hold on to their lives will give up true life. Those who give up their lives for me will hold on to true life.