Romans 13:4-7
4 For he is God's minister to you for good. But if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God's minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil. 5 Therefore you must be subject, not only because of wrath but also for conscience’ sake. 6 For because of this you also pay taxes, for they are God's ministers attending continually to this very thing. 7 Render therefore to all their due: taxes to whom taxes are due, customs to whom customs, fear to whom fear, honor to whom honor.
4 For he is God's minister to you for good. But if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God's minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil. 5 Therefore you must be subject, not only because of wrath but also for conscience’ sake. 6 For because of this you also pay taxes, for they are God's ministers attending continually to this very thing. 7 Render therefore to all their due: taxes to whom taxes are due, customs to whom customs, fear to whom fear, honor to whom honor.
The leaders God puts in place are for the ultimate good, even when we cannot see it (Rom.8:28). So when we break the laws, we deserve the consequences, for we also disobey God. We obey to keep a good conscience, knowing we do right even when others mean it for evil. Even taxes are to be paid, customs honored (to the leaders we don’t like or disagree with), and those in authority are to be given respect and honor for the position God placed them in. All governments answer to God in the end, and we are to live right before Him and under those He appoints, as we also answer for our part.
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