Matthew 10:26-33 - Fear God Rather Than People

²⁶ “So do not be afraid of them, for nothing is hidden that will not be revealed [at the judgment], or kept secret that will not be made known [at the judgment]. ²⁷ What I say to you in the dark (privately), tell in the light (publicly); and what you hear whispered in your ear, proclaim from the housetops [to many people]. ²⁸ Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; but rather be afraid of Him who can destroy both soul and body in hell. ²⁹ Are not two little sparrows sold for a copper coin? And yet not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father’s will. ³⁰ But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered [for the Father is sovereign and has complete knowledge]. ³¹ So do not fear; you are more valuable than many sparrows.

³² “Therefore, the one who confesses and acknowledges Me before men [as Lord and Savior, affirming a state of oneness with Me], that one I will also confess and acknowledge before My Father who is in heaven. ³³ But the one who denies and rejects Me before men, that one I will also deny and reject before My Father who is in heaven.

⁴ “I say to you, My friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that have nothing more that they can do. ⁵ But I will point out to you whom you should fear: fear the One who, after He has killed, has authority and power to hurl [you] into hell; yes, I say to you, [stand in great awe of God and] fear Him! ⁶ Are not five sparrows sold for two copper coins? Yet not one of them has [ever] been forgotten in the presence of God. ⁷ Indeed the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not be afraid; you are far more valuable than many sparrows.