Romans 13:6-7
This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing. Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.
I really struggled this morning with how to internalize these verses today. In our culture, it is so common to degrade or insult those in government with whom we disagree. We owe everyone respect, as they are children of God, whether we agree with them or not. Clearly, disagreement with the administration does not allow us to withhold our taxes. Respecting someone does not necessarily mean agreeing with everything they stand for. Everyone on this earth “deserves” respect from their fellow man. Isn’t this the same thing as loving our neighbor? Do we have the right to decide who we will not love?
Holy Lord, you have given me much to think about. I need to dig deep and remember, always, that you have created each and every one of us for a purpose. Even if we disagree with a neighbor, we must love them and treat them with kindness. This costs is nothing of our own, but honors you. Amen
Becky, transforming
Thursday October 10th, 2024
Romans 13:6-7
This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing. Give every one what you owe them. If you owe taxes pay taxes, , if revenue, than revenue, if respect than respect, if honor than honor.
Similar to Wednesday’s passage . As believers we do not follow a God of chaos where each one is doing whatever they want, but we have a God of order and respect for one another and the governing authorities. If you owe taxes pay them, if you have revenue, share with those less fortunate, respect and honor is a prerequisite and a direct command from God. There are…
Romans 13:6-7
Paul knew the Roman government had unsavory elements, just as did the governments of Greece where he ministered extensively, as well as his own homeland, yet he taught the principles we read today. I wonder how many of our authorities today consider themselves God’s servants.
Likewise, who among them are giving their full time to governing in the best interests of their town, state or country as opposed to gaining power and wealth for themselves. Becky and I send a large number of dollars to Washington only to see it mishandled and then be lectured we are not paying our fair share. When so many on both sides of the political aisle behave so poorly, it is admittedly…