Do What Is Right
Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for
there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities
that exist have been established by God. Consequently, he who rebels against
the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so
will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers hold no terror
for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be
free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will
commend you. For he is God's servant to do you good.
But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He
is God's servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer.
Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of
possible punishment but also because of conscience. This is also why you pay
taxes, for the authorities are God's servants, who give their full time to
governing. Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if
revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.
Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to
love one another, for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law. The
commandments, "Do not commit adultery," "Do not murder,"
"Do not steal," "Do not covet," and whatever other
commandment there may be, are summed up in this one rule: "Love your
neighbor as yourself." Love does no harm to its neighbor. Therefore love
is the fulfillment of the law.
Romans 13:1-10
Live within the law. If you are driving, drive the speed limit.
You won’t have to worry about speeding tickets and fines. Live your life the
same way, and you will find you have wonderful freedom
that you may not have had before. Live within your means. Pay what you owe. Paul
urged the followers of Christ in
It is our duty to obey man’s law and our privilege to fulfill
God’s law by loving others. And His law is “the perfect law that gives freedom.”
We keep man’s law by obedience; we
fulfill God’s law by love.
Our Daily Bread –