Love those in power.
‘What?’ You may ask? ‘Say that again’, you may demand.
You may believe that you hate those in power, yet now I tell you to love them?
Yes…LOVE THOSE IN POWER!
Why?
Because God tells us to.
☆ I urge first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness; This is good, and pleases God our Savior
• 1 Timothy 2:1-2
Now you’ll say, ‘Rob, that doesn’t say to ‘love’ your leadership!’
Really? Are you sure?
To live a peaceful, quiet life of sincere holiness, being able to pray in, not just thanksgiving, but in intercession for our leaders, that takes love.
That is the only way it can be done.
So, no matter what happens with the voting tonight, whether it falls on red or blue, whether it is honest or corrupt, whether it is peaceful or violent…
Until the day they force us to try to disobey God;
We submit, in respect, and love those in power.
☆ Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority: whether to the emperor, as the supreme authority, or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right. For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people. Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God’s slaves. Show proper respect to everyone, fear God, honor the emperor.
• 1 Peter 2:13-17
We are told in this passage to ‘submit to every human authority’, then told right after to ‘live as free people.’
How can we do THAT?
Easy…
• If we are completely submitted to God, then we will do as HE asks.
• If we are doing as HE asks, then we will be praying for our enemies.
• If we are praying for our enemies, then love will come naturally to our hearts.
• If love fills our hearts, respect, compassion & forgiveness will be how we treat our leadership.
I love you guys!
