34 “Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. 35 For I have come to turn“‘a man against his father,     a daughter against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law— 36     a man’s enemies will be the members of his own household.’37 “Anyone who loves their father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves their son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. 38 Whoever does not take up their cross and follow me is not worthy of me.39 Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for my sake will find it.REFLECTIONSWritten by Josh Coscia Lately, I’ve been reading a book that talks about the problem with thinking that, as Christians, the most important thing is to be a nice person. Of course, Christ calls on us to treat people with love, kindness and gentleness. But sometimes we can think that means being completely passive, trying to please everyone and make them happy, and avoiding conflict at all costs. Sometimes we might think we’re being patient, but it’s actually cowardice.Jesus came to bring God’s love for sinners into the world. A little later in Matthew, he says that he is gentle and humble in heart, and people who come to him will find rest for their souls (Matthew 11:29). But that doesn’t mean Jesus was a “nice guy” – someone who always tries to please people and make them happy. In today’s passage, he says: “I did not come to bring peace, but a sword” (v. 34).If you're anything like me, this verse might make you a little uncomfortable. It’s confronting. In the next chapter, he demonstrates “bringing a sword” when he publicly criticizes and condemns towns that did not repent and turn to him (Matthew 11:20). The truth is: Jesus wasn’t nice – he was much more than that. He was good, righteous and holy. He was kind and gracious. And he was also shrewd, discerning and 100% committed to the truth. He spoke truth into people’s lives when it was needed. He was divisive on matters of importance – especially the most important matter of all: whether people are willing to follow him.Jesus calls us to be the same: to be prepared to be divisive when necessary. To be willing to lose our father or mother, son or daughter, because we love him above all else (v. 37). He commands us to take up our cross – to follow him no matter what the cost. It is my prayer that we would be bold. Ready to speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15). Ready to warn people – like Jesus did – to repent so that they won’t perish (Luke 13:3). This message may be culturally insensitive today, but … it is the truth. Jesus didn’t shy away from the truth, neither should we.QUESTIONHave you ever had a friend or family member reject you because you believe in Jesus? Ask God now to help you love Jesus more than everyone else.ABOUT THE AUTHORJosh is a member at our Bossley Park morning congregation.