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Loving "Those Folks"

                 Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and you will be commended. For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience. (Romans 13:1-5)

“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’  But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.  If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that?  And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that?  Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect. (Matthew 5:43-48)

 “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’ (Matthew 25:40)

Happy President’s Day. Today’s a day when we’re supposed to celebrate the presidents who have served this nation. I’ll grant that some do a better job, and some a worse job (and which is which depends on your perspective). But the point is that God has called us to be subject to our governing authorities and to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us. I can't find anywhere that says this only applies to those doing what we want. Those who rejoice in negative reports or hope for harm to befall our elected officials are violating God’s law. It also means that protesting is allowed, but as soon as you show disrespect for any official or agent of law enforcement, you are violating God’s law. You can argue against a policy or a philosophy, but the moment you are rude or the moment you ridicule the person who disagrees with you, you’re violating God’s law. You’re breaking God’s law even if you don’t necessarily break man’s laws. According to Matthew 25:40, as you treat those you think are the least, including elected officials, you treat God. Just something to think about as you get over your Valentine’s Day hangover. 

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