Every person should place themselves under the authority of the government. There isn’t any authority unless it comes from God, and the authorities that are there have been put in place by God. So anyone who opposes the authority is standing against what God has established. People who take this kind of stand will get punished. The authorities don’t frighten people who are doing the right thing. Rather, they frighten people who are doing wrong. Would you rather not be afraid of authority? Do what’s right, and you will receive its approval. It is God’s servant given for your benefit. But if you do what’s wrong, be afraid because it doesn’t have weapons to enforce the law for nothing. It is God’s servant put in place to carry out his punishment on those who do what is wrong. That is why it is necessary to place yourself under the government’s authority, not only to avoid God’s punishment but also for the sake of your conscience. You should also pay taxes for the same reason, because the authorities are God’s assistants, concerned with this very thing. So pay everyone what you owe them. Pay the taxes you owe, pay the duties you are charged, give respect to those you should respect, and honor those you should honor. (Romans 13:1-7, CEB)
Everyone should place themselves under the authority of the government. Rulers only have authority because God gave it to them.
Given the current laws in the United States aimed at eradicating anyone who does not fit a gender binary, I have a hard time with this reading, knowing that God is a God of love.
I mean we need to follow the rules set by the government and be dutiful citizens for the good of all people. But when rulers are set on evil, how are we supposed to honor them by blindly allowing them to take away the rights of humans and not say something in return?
Love is the guiding factor in all things. Do the rulers and governments uphold humanity and love for all people, if not, it is not God ordained and is evil.
Love needs to be the focus and aim for all.
Loving People. Loving God.
aSacredRebel 