Submission Rooted in Love

Romans 13:1-7

The Bible tells us that governmental power and governmental authority is a divine gift. Christians’ influence in the world is greatest when we live a quiet, peaceable life, a life of godliness, a life of prayer on behalf of our leaders and authorities and the appointed governing bodies that rule over us. Submission to government is a general principle that we should abide by, but the Bible does list specific instances when government directly conflicts with God’s commands. The Christian’s highest authority is God, and Paul shows us in Romans 13 that our obligation to the government is subordinate to our obligation to love others. When we love others, we fulfill the law (not only God’s Law, but government’s laws as well— Galatians 5:23). Love does no wrong to others.