01/18/2026
Be Mindful of how you respond to Romans 13 and Today’s Government
“Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God.”
Romans 13:1 (NKJV)
Too often, this verse is misunderstood, used either to demand blind obedience or to defend injustice. But Romans 13 is not a blank check for tyranny. It is a call to godly order, not silence in the face of evil.
Paul teaches us that God establishes authority for the purpose of justice, peace, and the good of the people:
“For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil.”
Romans 13:3
So when a government protects life, upholds righteousness, and serves its people, it reflects the will of God.
But when it rewards evil, oppresses the weak, or punishes good, it has stepped out of its God-given role. We must then remember:
“We ought to obey God rather than men.”
Acts 5:29 (NKJV)
This is the tension we carry as believers: to walk in honor and submission, but never to surrender our conscience or compromise our witness.
That’s why Paul immediately follows Romans 13:1–7 with this truth:
“Love does no harm to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.”
Romans 13:10 (NKJV)
Love is the highest law.
Justice is its fruit.
Truth is its voice.
As pastors, believers, and kingdom citizens, we are not called to political allegiance, we are called to kingdom obedience. We pray for leaders. We honor laws. But we do not bow to injustice.
Let us be people of peace, but never of passivity.
Let us be people of order, but never of oppression.
Let us be people of the Kingdom, where Christ is King, and love is law.
Pastor Acquanetta
