What We Owe "Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor". Romans 13:7 NIV

There is often a heavy penalty for those who fail to pay taxes to the government or debts that they owe others. Defiance causes fear of discovery and the threat of punishment.

There is no peace such as that gained from compliance; being on the right side of the law. If you have paid your taxes, your bills and any loans you have borrowed, you will have a good night’s sleep. Similarly if you have done the work you have been assigned as expected, you will not be stressed when your boss, teacher or parent calls you.

We need to honor our responsibilities and commitments. We therefore need to be obedient and pay our taxes to the government to enable their tasks that include aggregating funds for common needs such as education and health, maintaining law and order, etc.  Jesus said, “…give unto Caesar what belongs to Caesar” (Matthew 22:21).

We also owe respect and honor to our parents, our spouses, our bosses at work, and all others in authority. Jesus also obeyed his earthly parents. (Luke 2:51). We cannot separate our relationship with God from those that He has put in authority over us. Of course our obedience of others should not go against God’s moral laws. He calls us to be of good character; to be fair, honest and holy and an example to others.

Let us pay what we owe for the Bible says,” Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law. (Romans 13:8 NIV)