Bible Verse
Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.
Here, you’ll know & learn:
・Verse Context
・Key Words
・References from Other Verses of the Bible
・Main Message
・How to Apply This Verse in Your Life
・How to Further Study the Verse
We all have debts in our lives - the mortgage, credit cards, maybe a car payment. These are the obvious ones we think about when we balance our checkbooks. But there are other debts we carry that go deeper than money. These are the debts we owe to the people and systems around us, the ones that shape how we live as followers of Jesus in our communities. When we think about what it means to love our neighbors, these debts become part of that calling.
Paul understood that Christians have a unique role to play in society. We're called to be different, but not in a way that pulls us away from our responsibilities. Instead, our faith should make us the kind of people others can count on. When we pay what we owe - whether that's money, respect, or honor - we show the world what it looks like to follow Jesus. This isn't always easy, especially when we disagree with those in charge or when the systems seem unfair. But God has something to teach us about how our character shows up in these everyday moments. Let's bring these thoughts to Him in prayer.
Let's Pray
Heavenly Father,
I come to You knowing that You see every part of my life, including how I handle my responsibilities to others. You know the times I've grumbled about paying taxes or shown disrespect to leaders I don't agree with.
I confess that I don't always remember that You have placed these authorities in my life for a purpose. Help me to see that when I pay what I owe - taxes, revenue, respect, and honor - I'm actually showing my love for You.
Lord, I struggle sometimes with giving respect to people who make decisions I don't understand. My heart wants to complain or speak poorly of those in authority over me.
Change my heart, God. Help me remember that You can work through imperfect people and systems. Teach me to honor the position even when I disagree with the person.
I'm grateful that You don't leave me to figure this out alone. Thank You for Your Word that guides me in these practical areas of life.
Thank You for showing me that even small acts of obedience matter to You. When I pay my taxes honestly, when I speak respectfully about my leaders, when I show honor where it's due, I'm being a witness for You.
Give me the strength to be the kind of person others can trust. Help me to be known for my integrity and respect.
When people see how I handle my obligations, let them see You in me.
I trust that You will use my faithfulness in these small things to accomplish Your bigger purposes in Jesus' name.
Amen.
Journaling Prompts
Beyond money, what other "debts" do you owe to your community, family, or workplace that you might be overlooking?
What's the difference between respecting someone's position and agreeing with all their decisions? How can you practice this in your daily life?
If you knew that God was watching how you handled every civic duty and interaction with authority, what would you do differently starting today?
These everyday moments of paying what we owe are actually opportunities to show God's love to the world around us. When we handle our responsibilities with integrity and respect, we become the kind of people others want to be around. Remember that God sees your faithfulness in the small things, and He's using those moments to shape you into the person He wants you to be.
We're excited to continue this conversation with you in our next newsletter as we explore more ways to live out our faith in practical, daily situations.
Until next time,
May the Lord bless you and keep you;
May He make His face shine upon you;
And be gracious to you and give you peace
God Bless!
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