Is it not hard that even those who are with us should be against us - that a man's enemies, in some degree, should be those of the same household of faith? Yet so it is.

The quote by John Wesley, "Is it not hard that even those who are with us should be against us - that a man's enemies, in some degree, should be those of the same household of faith? Yet so it is," reflects the pain of experiencing opposition from those who share the same faith or community. Wesley acknowledges the difficulty of facing enemies not from the outside world, but from within one’s own household of faith. This statement captures the reality that disagreements, jealousy, and conflicts can sometimes arise among people who share similar beliefs and values.

John Wesley, the founder of the Methodist movement in the 18th century, often faced criticism from established church leaders, even though he considered himself part of the same Christian tradition. This quote likely arose from his personal struggles with opposition from fellow believers who resisted his revivalist methods and teachings. Wesley’s words carry a tone of sorrow but also acceptance, recognizing that internal divisions are an unfortunate reality in religious communities.

The phrase "those who are with us should be against us" highlights a paradox: the very people who are expected to provide support can sometimes become sources of adversity. Wesley’s reflection shows that such opposition can be deeply discouraging because it comes from individuals one might trust or consider allies.

Ultimately, Wesley’s quote is a reminder of the challenges of faith-based leadership and community life. Despite the inevitable tensions and misunderstandings that may arise within a group, his words encourage perseverance and humility, even when facing opposition from those closest in belief.