One of the hardest sayings of Jesus is found in Matt 10 vv 34-36, where He is recorded as telling people “Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. 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-- a man's enemies will be the members of his own household.'
The sad fact is that the call to follow Jesus divides people. It seems so strange that a message that proclaims peace should cause division. You see, it establishes a clear line of demarcation. Christians are not so much cut off from others, or separated from them, but rather they are heading in a different direction. They are moving against the tide of human affairs. In these chapters 13 and 14 of Acts it becomes evident time and again that
Paul’s message stirs up both love and hatred, acceptance and rejection; so much so that there are threats of violence and actual assaults on him!
The warnings of Jesus were being fulfilled – perhaps even families were divided.
That pattern continues today, with husbands and wives divided, and children and parents split by the faith of one or the other. Following Jesus is such a radically different way of life that clashes of interest and desire are almost inevitable.
Now it may be that you find yourself in a situation where you are divided from family or workmates by your faith, or you have a close friend who is in that situation. It is important to persevere and try to build relationships that will enable you to demonstrate your faith in Jesus, and perhaps even speak about it. However it is worth noting that in two of the towns mentioned in the reading Paul felt it was more appropriate to move on to another place and a fresh set of relationships. Simply pray for wisdom to know how best to handle any difficulties that arise.

For reflection: There are families in our own church that are divided in this way; pray for them now.