Author: Rev. Lek Aik Wee

The love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us (Romans 5:5). God gives us the ability to love others by the empowering of the Holy Spirit indwelling the believer. It is a true test of conversion.

The believer has the indwelling Holy Spirit that enables to love:

(1) the being of God (2) the worship of God (3) the name of God (4) the day of God (5) the representative of God (6) the body of man (7) the morality of man (8) the property of man (9) the personality of man (10) the property of man.

Be ready to discharge any obligations you have toward all men because God has so filled your heart and endowed you with His love. This is the Christian experience. Begin with the family, extend it to your neighbours, friends and colleagues. The word “owe” is a command for continual action. In other words, make it a habit of life to discharge your God-given responsibility toward others. The obedient believer is blessed of God because he is at peace with others. God’s laws are ordained for our blessing. Careful maintenance of good human relationships by carrying out our responsibility.

The Apostle Paul exhorts to believers to discharge their God-given responsibility to the authorities has placed over them. He speaks of a whole-hearted submission that involves not just the heart (fear) but in our conduct (honour) and in our actions (tirbute and custom). He says be not slack in doing so.

A significant part of a citizen’s responsibility is the paying of taxes wherein comes government revenue for the enforcement of law and order in society. A Christian living in any society, the Apostle Paul teaches, must not neglect or evade that God-given duty. He says, “pay ye tribute” and do so continually. Every civil government bears the responsibility vested by God to bring law and order in any society by rewarding good and punishing evil. Citizens are thus protected with peace in the land.

The Apostle Paul teaches the believers to submit to the rule of government in the city that they reside in. If they break the law, be willing to go through the due process of law. If found guilty, be willing to face the judgment of the law for whatever wrongdoing. The judgment of the law against committed crime serves as a deterrent for believers. They are to fear to transgress the law. It would be a setback to their Christian testimony in the sight of the world.

Christians are to submit and subject themselves to the authority of human government. They are not above the law but must fear the consequence of breaking the law of the land. And hence, live to glorify God by obeying civil authority.

Law abiding citizens have no cause for fear. It is the law breakers that need fear because the ruling government is God’s instrument to mete out justice in any civil society. Law breakers are punishable by law. The government through its law enforcement agencies carries out the cause of justice. Thus, criminals and all evil perpetrators are dealt with by the law. Therefore, the Christian who obeys the law of the land is protected by the law and enjoys the benefits of peace. Without civil government, the country will be in a state of anarchy.