Dear Family and Friends,

I woke up this past Thursday asking God, What shall we write about this week? Have you noticed that when God answers our prayers He doesn’t fool around?

The very next thing I saw was the following headline from a Star Advertiser article: Churches are exempt from Hawaii’s new COVID restrictions. 

I don’t know if you read this article but the headline gives no hint of the horrors told within.

In short, the article makes churches (meaning pastors AND its people) look really bad. The lead statement to a particularly tough section about COVID clusters in churches reads as follows. 

“Some churches have even openly defied government safety mandates.”

Then it got worse. I’ll spare you the details so we can focus on today’s scriptures. But take heart, there is not much we do today that isn’t addressed in the Bible. 

In fact, one of the points Paul makes in his letter to the Roman Christians addresses the spirit of defiance that was brewing in the Roman church.

They were oppressed by Caesar and, in response, claimed that submission to Jesus superseded having to submit to the civil laws of Rome or the paying of taxes to Caesar. They were on the verge of being seen as a rebellious movement that arrogantly considered themselves above the law. Hmmm?

This was Paul’s response. “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.” Romans 13:1-2 NIV

Now I realize there are many pastors arguing that this passage does not apply to today’s circumstances. Besides our constitutional rights, they point to a number of Bible passages, like Acts 4:19, to support their actions.

Let me be clear, I am not here to debate scripture nor judge any pastor or church. 

However, this may be one of those situations where Christians may very well win the battle – yet lose the war.

What war am I referring to? Not the war against the government over wearing masks or taking vaccines.

I am talking about the war against satan, the war to win people’s hearts for Christ.

I want us to now read the passages that precede and follow the passage above. And as you read, try to imagine yourself as a feisty Christian, tired of being unfairly picked on, ready to fight back for your rights.  

“Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.

Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.

Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.

Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. Do not repay anyone evil for evil.

Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.

Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord.

On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head. Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” Romans 12:9-21 NIV

These verses serve as reminders on how to love others. 

Now let’s look at the verses that follow the ‘governing authorities’ passages. 

“The commandments, “You shall not commit adultery,” “You shall not murder,” “You shall not steal,” “You shall not covet,” and whatever other command there may be, are summed up in this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.”  Romans 13:9-10 NIV 

Whew, I realize that was a lot to read. But I want us to “feel” just how the feisty Christians felt as they read this letter.

Remember that Paul did not create chapter breaks, this was one long manuscript. No one knew to put down the scroll after reading chapter 12 to take a break.

So, let me ask: did you feel like defying authorities, fighting for your rights, or perhaps even staging a coup, after reading this?

Let’s hope not. 

What was Paul really try to say? He was reminding them (and us) that Jesus started a movement based on love – for God and for all others. That as citizens of God’s kingdom, all our laws hang on the two commandments to love.  

Take note that Paul stuck the touchy topic on government authorities right in the middle of reminders about love. Although not expressed, this whole section of scripture is really about love. 

How so?

The greatest act of love this world has ever seen can be found in John 3:16.

One of the greatest acts of love we can do for another is to help them believe John 3:16. 

Take another good hard look at what nonbelievers are seeing in the news about churches. As you put yourself in their shoes, can you imagine the opinion they have of the church?

If love means displaying that the church cares about the spiritual and physical health of its members; if love means displaying that the church also cares about the health of those who live, work and come into close contact with its members; if love means displaying that the church is a part of the solution, rather than an impediment, to ending this pandemic; then wouldn’t you agree that the war for people’s hearts is better won with a display of love, not defiance? 

If so, then let’s deny ourselves, take up our crosses and follow the example set by Jesus Himself on that fateful Friday.

He had His rights, but Jesus chose love. He could have defied the authorities, but Jesus chose love. He could have ruled the world, but Jesus chose to become a sacrifice for his friends, his followers, his enemies and for each one of us. 

Jesus chose to love. Let us choose to love as well. 

In love always,