Today's Verse: Romans 13:6-7 (KJV)

Friday, April 15, 2022

For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.
— Romans 13:6-7 (KJV)
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Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Ouch! Tax day. Not my favorite day, how about you? But where would we be without government, order, and laws? Anarchy! Rebellion! Lawlessness! Dog-eat-dog days where all people are "in it" only for themselves!
While we may not always like how the system functions, we need to know from God how he wants us to live with flawed people in community. Paul is not naive. He knows he is likely going to be imprisoned and martyred by the Roman government. So, we can follow Paul's example as we seek to be redemptive in our living, obedient in our citizenship, and ask God to bless our countries and bring revival to them. Jesus left us this principle:
"So give back to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what is God's." (Matthew 22:21)
The apostle Paul explained and expanded Jesus' principle in our verse today:
Give everyone what you owe him. If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.
Now it is up to us, with the help of the Holy Spirit, to live up to that principle even in challenging times!

My Prayer...

Holy God, I thank you that I am free in you and belong to no one and no power other than you. To you, O God, I offer my full and undivided allegiance. Because I want your name and your people to be respected, I will obey the laws of my land as long as they align with your will. I know it is good for the spread of the gospel of Jesus and for the blessing of all people that we be at peace in our world (Romans 12:18), so, dear Lord, I pray for peace. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

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15 Related Resources by Heartlight

Give to Ceasar...
Illustration of Romans 13:6-7
Inspirational illustration of Romans 13:6-7 -- 6   This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God's servants, who give their full time to governing.7   Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if
Romans 13:6
Devo: Today's Verse
"This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God's servants, who give their full time to governing. Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes,..."
Romans 13:7
Devo: Today's Verse
"Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor."
Authority
Devo: Praying with Paul
"Dear Father, from whom all power comes, Help me to show proper respect for the duly constituted authority of government. Help me to do what is good,...."
See All 15 Related Resources about Romans 13:6-7

Illustration

Illustration of Romans 13:6-7 (KJV) — For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.

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About This Devotional

Today's Verse is a free daily devotional that includes a Bible verse, thought and prayer.

The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware.

All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.

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