Romans 13:1-8

1Every 12person is to be 3subject to the governing authorities. For 4there is no authority except 5from God, and those which exist are established by God. 2Therefore 6whoever resists authority has opposed the ordinance of God; and they who have opposed will receive condemnation upon themselves. 3For 7rulers are not a cause of fear for 8good behavior, but for evil. Do you want to have no fear of authority? Do what is good and you will have praise from the same; 4for it is a servant of God to you for good. But if you do what is evil, be afraid; for it does not bear the sword for nothing; for it is a servant of God, an 9avenger who brings wrath on the one who practices evil. 5Therefore it is necessary to be in subjection, not only because of wrath, but also 10for the sake of conscience. 6For because of this you also pay taxes, for rulers are servants of God, devoting themselves to this very thing. 711Pay to all what is due them: 12tax to whom tax is due; 13custom to whom custom; 14respect to whom 15respect; honor to whom honor.

8Owe nothing to anyone except to love one another; for 16the one who loves 17his neighbor has fulfilled the Law.