I want to exhort you to stop following laws and start loving because love is the master key to civil conduct.
[Romans 13:1-10 KJV] “Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. [2] Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.”
[3] “For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: [4] For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. [5] Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake. [6] For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God’s ministers, attending continually upon this very thing.”
[7]“Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due ; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.”
[8] “Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law. [9] For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. [10] Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.”
In reference to Christian conduct Apostle paul makes three profound statements:
- Be subject to higher authority
- Render to all their dues
- Owe no man anything but love
The Apostle teaches that we should be subject to higher authority because every authority as instituted by God. The Apostle teaches that whosoever resists the power resist God. The man in authority is a minister of God for good and terror to the wicked.
We are also admonished to render to all their dues. Tribute to whom tribute is due, honour to whom honour is due, custom to whom custom is due, and fear to whom fear is due. Different strokes for different folks, I guess. We must render to all what is due them. This is the wisdom to guide our civil conduct.
Above all, among ourselves; we must learn to love all men. The Apostle teaches that the summary of the law is to love your neighbour. Once we love one another, we will not hurt them. Love is the master key to civil conduct. The law is the expansion of the doctrine of love. When we learn to love, we will not hurt any.
Be blessed, I love you!
Pastor simpe
