 | Whoever acknowledges me before men, I will also acknowledge him before my Father in heaven. But whoever disowns me before men, I will disown him before my Father in heaven. |
 | Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven. But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven. |
Jesus doesn't want secret discipleship. He not only wants our hearts to love Him, but to proclaim Him with confidence in all aspects of our lives.
This verse is not referring to a temporary denial of Him (as in Peter's case), but a denial that is habitual and final.
Jesus was the ultimate example of loving us without shame. Acknowledge Him before men with your lips and lives by your confession of Christ as Lord and Savior.