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"When you knock on a door, be courteous in your greeting.
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If they welcome you, be gentle in your conversation.
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If they don't welcome you, quietly withdraw. Don't make a scene. Shrug your shoulders and be on your way.
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You can be sure that on Judgment Day they'll be mighty sorry - but it's no concern of yours now.
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"Stay alert. This is hazardous work I'm assigning you. You're going to be like sheep running through a wolf pack, so don't call attention to yourselves. Be as cunning as a snake, inoffensive as a dove.
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"Don't be naive. Some people will impugn your motives, others will smear your reputation - just because you believe in me.
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Don't be upset when they haul you before the civil authorities. Without knowing it, they've done you - and me - a favor, given you a platform for preaching the kingdom news!
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And don't worry about what you'll say or how you'll say it. The right words will be there;
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the Spirit of your Father will supply the words.
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"When people realize it is the living God you are presenting and not some idol that makes them feel good, they are going to turn on you, even people in your own family.
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There is a great irony here: proclaiming so much love, experiencing so much hate! But don't quit. Don't cave in. It is all well worth it in the end.