Bible verses about "voting" | Twentieth_Century

¹ First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings should be offered for every one, ² especially for kings and all who are in high positions, in order that we may lead a quiet and peaceful life in a deeply religious and reverent spirit.

¹ Let every one obey the supreme Authorities. For no Authority exists except by the will of God, and the existing Authorities have been appointed by God.

¹ Remind your hearers to respect and obey the Powers that be, to be ready for every kind of good work, to speak ill of no one, to avoid quarreling, ² to be forbearing, and under all circumstances to show a gentle spirit in dealing with others, whoever they may be. ³ There was, you remember, a time when we ourselves were foolish, disobedient, misled, slaves to all kinds of passions and vices, living in a spirit of malice and envy, detested ourselves and hating one another. ⁴ But, when the kindness of God our Savior and his love for man were revealed, he saved us, ⁵ not as the result of any righteous actions that we had done, but in fulfillment of his merciful purposes. He saved us by that Washing which was a New Birth to us, and by the renewing power of the Holy Spirit, ⁶ which he poured out upon us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior; ⁷ that, having been pronounced righteous through his loving-kindness, we might enter on our inheritance with the hope of Immortal Life. ⁸ How true that saying is! And it is on these subjects that I desire you to lay especial stress, so that those who have learned to trust in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing good. Such subjects are excellent in themselves, and of real use to mankind. ⁹ But have nothing to do with foolish discussions, or with genealogies, or with controversy, or disputes about the Law. They are useless and futile. ¹⁰ If a man is causing divisions among you, after warning him once or twice, have nothing more to say to him. ¹¹ You may be sure that such a man has forsaken the Truth and is in the wrong; he stands self-condemned.

¹ Let every one obey the supreme Authorities. For no Authority exists except by the will of God, and the existing Authorities have been appointed by God. ² Therefore he who sets himself against the authorities is resisting God's appointment, and those who resist will bring a judgment upon themselves. ³ A good action has nothing to fear from Rulers; a bad action has. Do you want to have no reason to fear the Authorities? Then do what is good, and you will win their praise. ⁴ For they are God's servants appointed for your good. But, if you do what is wrong, you may well be afraid; for the sword they carry is not without meaning! They are God's servants to inflict his punishments on those who do wrong. ⁵ You are bound, therefore, to obey, not only through fear of God's punishments, but also as a matter of conscience. ⁶ This, too, is the reason for your paying taxes; for the officials are God's officers, devoting themselves to this special work. ⁷ In all cases pay what is due from you--tribute where tribute is due, taxes where taxes are due, respect where respect is due, and honor where honor is due. ⁸ Owe nothing to any one except brotherly love; for he who loves his fellow men has satisfied the Law. ⁹ The commandments, 'Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not covet,' and whatever other commandment there is, are all summed up in the words--'Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thou dost thyself.' ¹⁰ Love never wrongs a neighbor. Therefore Love fully satisfies the Law. ¹¹ This I say, because you know the crisis that we have reached, for the time has already come for you to rouse yourselves from sleep; our Salvation is nearer now than when we accepted the Faith. ¹² The night is almost gone; the day is near. Therefore let us have done with the deeds of Darkness, and arm ourselves with the weapons of Light. ¹³ Being in the light of Day, let us live becomingly, not in revelry and drunkenness, not in lust and licentiousness, not in quarreling and jealousy. ¹⁴ No! Arm yourselves with the spirit of the Lord Jesus Christ, and spend no thought on your earthly nature, to satisfy its cravings.