This verse focuses on loving others in general, but when we consider its placement in the text, we have to acknowledge the principle applies to how we relate to governmental authorities, their policies, and national issues (which is all, in essence, politics). Our love for Christ is to permeate every…
For Jews in Paul’s time, taxes were levied by the Roman government. The Jews weren’t Roman citizens, therefore they questioned whether or not they were obligated to pay taxes. Do you recall what Jesus said in response to this question? He told them to render unto Caesar what is Caesar’s,…
How interesting that Paul referred to government as God’s servant. Whether our leaders are Christians or not, they are only governing with whatever authority God has given them. The laws that are established are meant to be for the wellbeing and protection of the citizenry. People who breaks laws (and…
I knew when I started going through the book of Romans, I’d encounter some tough issues to address. But if God included it in His Book, He wanted us to know it. So here we are. The words in the middle of this verse—“there is no authority except from God”—kind…
If you read Matthew 25:31-40, you’ll find a passage that matches this Scripture very well. The passage ends, “The King will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me (NIV).’” It’s not easy to be…
Peace really seems to be in short supply these days. Every day, someone with a cell phone records confrontations, whether between two people or two groups of people. Responding to anger with anger stokes the fire of conflict. The New Living Translation puts Proverbs 15:1 in very straightforward words: “A…
HYMN DAY! “Our God Has Made Us One,” by Niles Borop, is built around Ephesians 4:3, “Keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace (NIV).” These words are convicting. Verse 1 Our God has made us one In Him our hearts unite When we His children share…
There are two characteristics that can completely derail the instruction in this verse: envy and apathy. When something good happens for a Christian brother or sister, envy seals our lips against offering a sincere congratulations. When a Christian brother or sister suffers a loss, apathy closes us to offering sincere…
Wow. That’s quite the instruction, isn’t it? When someone treats us unfairly, whether in a physical attack or with hurtful words, the last thing that feels natural is blessing them. But think of Jesus on the cross. If anyone had a right to curse those who mocked Him and savagely…
I see the order of this verse as very well orchestrated. Three short instructions, starting with “rejoice in hope.” Hope is something Christians have that the world does not. We know what awaits us when we leave this world behind. We can’t see it now, but we know it’s there,…
