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This is something that many of us puzzle and agonize over. Do we fight physically? I think it is to be avoided, but what if it can't be avoided? Christ, nor any disciples, resisted physically. But even if we could bring ourselves to submit to physical harm, would God expect us to stand by and watch our children, spouses, or loved ones by hurt? That doesn't sound reasonable to me. All of our emotions and instincts are God-given. We surely are to heed them and learn and understand how to use them properly.
This came to mind, once again, as I was reading this morning. I thank the good Lord daily for the support and edification His word brings to my life. So let's talk about this for a bit. See if we can find and come to a consensus on this difficult topic.
Romans 13:1-7 "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. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.
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:
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.
Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake.
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."
Here is Strong's explanation of tribute: 5411 NT - Greek
[foroV]
phoros for'-os from [ferw] - phero 5342; a load (as borne)
It isn't just a financial tax, but a load or burden to bear. I understand this as support and solidarity for our government as long as it follows moral dictates.
This article is what prompted me to make this post:
Saudi Arabia Reportedly Passes Law to Execute “Bible Smugglers” - Freedom Outpost
I would not join the armed forces, but I wouldn't hold it against a brother to resist those that would try to impose their will on us. I support all law enforcement officers, whether they be military or civilian, as long as they act within the law.
This is something that we must come to grips with. We are obligated to teach our children how to deal with such things. If it doesn't come into my front yard in my lifetime, of a certainty it will in theirs. I encourage mine and everyone, to resist such evil. If it comes to physical force, then I feel we must protect our own. God has given all parents of all species the instinct to protect their own. There can be no condemnation for such, in my mind.
This came to mind, once again, as I was reading this morning. I thank the good Lord daily for the support and edification His word brings to my life. So let's talk about this for a bit. See if we can find and come to a consensus on this difficult topic.
Romans 13:1-7 "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. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.
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:
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.
Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake.
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."
Here is Strong's explanation of tribute: 5411 NT - Greek
[foroV]
phoros for'-os from [ferw] - phero 5342; a load (as borne)
It isn't just a financial tax, but a load or burden to bear. I understand this as support and solidarity for our government as long as it follows moral dictates.
This article is what prompted me to make this post:
Saudi Arabia Reportedly Passes Law to Execute “Bible Smugglers” - Freedom Outpost
I would not join the armed forces, but I wouldn't hold it against a brother to resist those that would try to impose their will on us. I support all law enforcement officers, whether they be military or civilian, as long as they act within the law.
This is something that we must come to grips with. We are obligated to teach our children how to deal with such things. If it doesn't come into my front yard in my lifetime, of a certainty it will in theirs. I encourage mine and everyone, to resist such evil. If it comes to physical force, then I feel we must protect our own. God has given all parents of all species the instinct to protect their own. There can be no condemnation for such, in my mind.