“He who loves father or mother more than me
is not worthy of me.
And he who loves son or daughter more than me
is not worthy of me.
And he who does not take his cross and follow after me
is not worthy of me.
…If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub,
how much more those of his household!”
Matthew 10:37-38, 25

One of the great sufferings believers endure is rejection by family and loved ones. It’s something common to most believers. In the many years I’ve walked with the Lord, I can say I know very, very few believers who are not troubled by rejection from family, loved ones, or friends.

The Lord tells us that this is something believers ARE going to experience. In fact, it is a sign of the validity of our born-again experience. We have been born into a different kingdom than the one they live in, so inevitably there is conflict there.

We are being conformed to the sufferings of Christ, that we might someday reign with him. If Jesus suffered rejection, so will we. The servant is not greater than his master – if they rejected him, they will reject us. Be comforted and encouraged that it is a sign of your approval.

“…that I may know him and the power of his resurrection,
AND THE FELLOWSHIP OF HIS SUFFERINGS
Philippians 3:10

Take up your cross and follow him, regardless the cost. This is the call, do not resist it, accept it – for now. The reward in eternity is going to be greater than you can imagine.