Romans 13:1-7
13 “Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for
there is no authority except that which GOD has established. The authorities that
exist have been established by GOD.
2 Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling
against what GOD
has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.
3 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 you will be commended.
4 For the one in authority is GOD’s servant for your good. But if you do
wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are GOD’s servants,
agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer.
5 Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only
because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience.
6 This is also why you pay
taxes, for the authorities are GOD’s servants, who give their full time to
governing.
7 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.
8 Let no debt remain outstanding,
except the continuing debt to LOVE one another,
for whoever LOVEs others has fulfilled the law.
9 The commandments,
‘You
shall not commit adultery,’
‘You
shall not murder,’
‘You
shall not steal,’
‘You
shall not covet,’
and whatever other command there may be, are
summed up in this one command:
‘LOVE your neighbor as yourself.’
10 LOVE does
no harm to a neighbor.
Therefore
LOVE is the
fulfillment of the law.”
