Matthew 10:27-37

27 So don't hesitate to go public now.

28 "Don't be bluffed into silence by the threats of bullies. There's nothing they can do to your soul, your core being. Save your fear for God, who holds your entire life - body and soul - in his hands.

29 "What's the price of a pet canary? Some loose change, right? And God cares what happens to it even more than you do.

30 He pays even greater attention to you, down to the last detail - even numbering the hairs on your head!

31 So don't be intimidated by all this bully talk. You're worth more than a million canaries.

32 "Stand up for me against world opinion and I'll stand up for you before my Father in heaven.

33 If you turn tail and run, do you think I'll cover for you?

34 "Don't think I've come to make life cozy. I've come to cut -

35 make a sharp knife-cut between son and father, daughter and mother, bride and mother-in-law - cut through these cozy domestic arrangements and free you for God.

36 Well-meaning family members can be your worst enemies.

37 If you prefer father or mother over me, you don't deserve me. If you prefer son or daughter over me, you don't deserve me.