Do not think that I have come
to bring peace to the earth;
I have not come to bring peace, but a sword.
I have come to set a man against his father,
and a daughter against her mother. —Matthew 10.34-35
It’s not a sword of conflict or violence. It’s the cutting edge of making choices, splitting what you choose from what you don’t choose. And making your choices will set you apart from others, even friends and family. This is the work of becoming your own self.
When your choices upset those around you it may be because you’re being foolish. But it may be because you’re making your choices instead of letting them. It will be like this. Abandon that owned self, and find your own self.
Listen deeply to God. Let God alone lead you. Make yourself available to God as an instrument of righteousness, and know that even as you let go of your life you receive life.