In his letter to the church in Rome, Paul encourages the believers in that imperial city to be “subject” to the governing authorities, explains the purpose of said authorities, and tells them to “render” (or give) to said authorities (and all persons) that to which they are due.
Since today is Veterans Day in the United States and since I just came back from a funeral, the issue of respect is on my mind. And I thought I’d take a moment to comment on a verse from Paul’s letter that addresses the topic of respect.
I believe it is altogether consistent with biblical teachings that we, in our American context (speaking to my fellow American readers), respect and honor our veterans on Veterans Day (as well as those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation on Memorial Day–and our country itself on the Fourth of July).
Likewise, I believe that we should show respect for those who have passed — and for the families and friends they leave behind.
Christians should be known for their love, humility, and respect.
Let’s look at what Paul says…
The passage on government is found in the thirteenth chapter of Romans, specifically the first seven verses. For our purposes, we will look at verse seven:
“Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.”
Romans 13:7, KJV
Let’s break down the key terms:
- “Render” (Greek: ἀπόδοτε, apodote) means to give back, return, or pay. It implies fulfilling obligations or debts.
- “Tribute” (Greek: φόρος, phoros) refers to a tax or levy, especially the kind paid by a subject nation to a ruling power.
- “Custom” (Greek: τέλος, telos) refers to a toll or duty, another form of tax, often levied on goods.
- “Fear” (Greek: φόβος, phobos) in this context likely means respect or reverence, particularly towards those in positions of authority.
- “Honour” (Greek: τιμή, timē) suggests esteem or value.
Obviously, Paul is echoing Jesus, who had said that citizens should “render unto Caesar that which is Caesar’s” (see Matthew 22:21). That certainly includes paying one’s taxes. Therefore…
Christians should willingly pay taxes to the governing authorities of the land in which they live. For myself and most of you, that means we pay taxes to the United States government and the respective state and local governments applicable to us.
Paul doesn’t stop there, though. He doesn’t just say “Pay your taxes” and that’s that. He goes further.
Paul says that we should “render” (give) “fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.” In other words, we should show respect and extend honor to those to whom it is due.
This is where many Christians (including a few I know) will chime in and say: “Yeah, that’s right. I respect those who earn my respect. I give honor to those who are due that honor!”
It’s certainly the case that some people are more worthy of honor and respect than others. But the Bible doesn’t teach that we only respect those we believe are worthy of it. Imagine if God only loved those people who were worthy of His love.
First, some people are due respect and honor by virtue of their position. This is the case with:
- parents (Exodus 20:12, Leviticus 19:3, Deuteronomy 5:16, Ephesians 6:1-3)
- elders or older adults (Leviticus 19:32, I Timothy 5:1-2, I Peter 5:5)
- civil authorities (Proverbs 24:21, Romans 13:1-7, I Peter 2:13-17, Titus 3:1)
- pastors and church leaders (I Thessalonians 5:12-13, I Timothy 5:17, Hebrews 13:17)
The preceding Bible passages don’t provide for exceptions for parents, older adults, civil authorities, or church leaders who are (in your view) corrupt or objectionable. Regardless of your feelings, they are still to receive honor and respect by virtue of their position.
This doesn’t mean that you must agree with them, trust them, or vote for them. It also doesn’t mean you shouldn’t (in an appropriate manner) hold them accountable. Some leaders (whether in church settings or civil settings) have broken faith and must be removed. But you are to still to extend honor (value) and respect. David still showed respect to King Saul, even though the latter can clearly turned from God and toward wickedness –and was even trying to kill David!
It doesn’t stop there, though.
We don’t just respect parents, elders, civic authorities, and church leaders. We are, in fact, supposed to show honor and respect to EVERYBODY.
The apostle Peter writes: “Honour all men” (I Peter 2:17a). That’s all-inclusive.
We are to value everybody because God values everybody!
Everyone with whom you come in contact was created by God and foreordained before the foundations of the universe. Christ died for that person. And Jesus loves that person. That gives that person value.
According to the Bible, you are to love, honor, and respect every single human being you meet in the course of your life.
Do you?
For more reading, check out…
