By Guest Author Becky Hypes
Becky wrote this on my Facebook page the other day and I felt like it needed to be restated in my column. When anger leads to violence, we have crossed the line. This has been on Becky’s heart and mind for a while.
Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior,, who desires all men to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth.” 1 Timothy 2:1-4
“Therefore submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake, whether to the king as supreme, or to governors, as to those who are sent by him for the punishment of evil doers and for the praise of those who do good. For this is the will of God, that by doing good you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men – as free, yet not using liberty as a cloak for vice [or wickedness], but as bondservants of God. Honor all people. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king.” 1 Peter 2:13-17
“Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgement on themselves. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil. Do you want to be unafraid of the authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same. For he is God’s minister to you for good. But if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God’s minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil. Therefore you must be subject, not only because of wrath but also for conscience’ sake.” Romans 13:1-5
“Therefore let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another.” Romans 14:19
I have studied and prayed over these Scripture verses for weeks. They have encouraged me, convicted me, and given me the knowledge that God our creator knows all things and has ordained all things.
Throughout my lifetime, there have been things in this world I have not understood or agreed with, but these verses, which I have read many times before, have shown me how I am to live my life each day. My hope is that these verses will encourage, convict, give hope and show each of us, whether you are a Christian or not, how we are to conduct ourselves in this world in which we live. I know that not all who read this will agree with me, but I would say study these scriptures for yourselves and seek God.
Thanks for reading and I am seeking daily to pray for others, our country, our leaders (those in authority over us), my family and myself, that each would seek to “do good”, (as in 1 Peter) “that we may lead quiet and peaceable lives in all godliness and reverence [dignity]”. (as in 1 Timothy).
Note: These are the versus as they appear in the New King James Version.
