"I have come to bring fire on the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled! But I have a baptism to undergo, and how distressed I am until it is completed! Do you think I came to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but division. From now on there will be five in one family divided against each other, three against two and two against three. They will be divided, father against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law." ( Luke 12:49-53 NIV)
Jesus warned his disciples to prepare for persecution. Your persecutors shall be found among those most closely connected with you, your blood relatives. These persecutors prey upon their own kind, they are worst than beasts. Jesus foretold troubles, so the troubles might not take us by surprise and to confirm our faith. Sufferings from friends and relatives are very grievous, nothing cuts more. All who live godly in Christ Jesus must suffer persecution; and we must expect to enter into the kingdom of God through many tribulations.
Be ye harmless as doves, do not do any underhanded measures. Avoid everything which gives the enemy the advantage. Not only, do nobody any hurt, but bear nobody any ill-will. Cast your concerns and cares upon God. We must think more how to do well, than how to speak well. No sinful or unlawful means may be used to escape persecution; for then it is not a door of God's opening. We are not to fear man. It is our duty, not only to believe in Christ, but to profess that faith, in suffering for him, when we are called to it, as well as in serving him. Let us boldly confess Christ, and show love to him in all things.
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