In Romans 12 the Apostle Paul gave instructions for how a follower of Christ should relate to God and to fellow believers. In Romans 13 Paul provided instructions for how followers of Christ should relate to the government and their neighbors.

As we read Paul’s instructions about how a Christian is to relate to governing authorities, let us keep in mind that – when Paul was writing – Jesus had been executed for “leading a revolt”, Christianity was not an officially sanctioned religion in the Roman empire, and there was a very real threat of Christians being treated badly or exiled for leading rebellion within the empire.

Paul’s basic approach to this dicey situation is to encourage Christians to live at peace with everyone and cause no offense. Christians are expected to show respect to leaders, to pay their taxes, and obey the laws of their country. Part of being a good representative of the kingdom of God is being a good, law-abiding citizen.

In his discourse, Paul highlights several larger theological themes from the whole of scripture. First, God is sovereign over all things. It is God who raises up rulers and God who sets them down. Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God (13:1). Secondly, God has a hands-on approach to human history, especially when it comes to issues affecting his people. He is fully capable of intervening.

I’m sure you are thinking, but what if the government is not good and is acting unjustly?! Ah, a timely question, but not an easy one. Let’s go back to the Old Testament for a minute. What about Egypt who enslaved the Israelites? What about the Assyrians and the Babylonians who destroyed Israel and marched the captives off? They were obviously terrible, unjust governments. In fact, Israel itself had quite a few terrible, unjust kings who caused suffering. Yet somehow, God allowed those kings to reign, for a season, and brought forth his own purposes out of the whole mess. He is sovereign.

And yet, the prophets themselves give us an example of what Christians can do when a government is ruling unjustly and not serving its purposeof providing peace, stability, rule of law, security, and protection for all citizens. The prophets spoke out about injustice. They called for reform. They protested, but nonviolently. They prayed. They encouraged others and served those who were suffering. Esther spoke up about the mistreatment of the Jews, but she did so while honoring the authorities. Daniel and his friends refused to comply with orders to worship another god, but they did so with respect and courage, not violence.

We should be grieved when the governing authorities are acting unjustly. We should pray for and work for change, but with respect for those appointed to governing offices and for all people. Our actions and our language should reflect love for each other, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law. For the commandments… are summed up in this word: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. Love does no wrong to a neighbor (13:8-10).

Are you honoring the laws of your country? Do you show respect in your actions and words related to those who govern? Who is your neighbor, and are you busy loving them? They might be needing you these days!