Wednesday, February 24 Let every person be in subjection to the superior authorities.​—Rom. 13:1.

[Ella Mentry]

Wednesday, February 24

Let every person be in subjection to the superior authorities.—Rom. 13:1.

 

Under the Law that God gave Israel, appointed men handled not only spiritual matters but also civil and criminal cases. But under “the law of the Christ,” the elders’ role is to handle the spiritual aspects of the wrongdoing. (Gal. 6:2) They recognize that the secular authorities have the God-given responsibility to handle civil and criminal cases. That includes the authority to impose such penalties as fines or imprisonments. (Rom. 13:2-4) How do elders handle the spiritual aspects of serious wrongdoing? They use the Scriptures to weigh matters and make decisions. They keep in mind that love is the foundation of the law of the Christ. Love moves the elders to consider: What needs to be done to help any in the congregation who have been victims of the wrongdoing? Regarding the wrongdoer, love moves the elders to consider: Is he repentant? Can we help him to regain his spiritual health? w19.05 7 ¶23-24

[Vinnie]

As servants of Jehovah, we put ourselves in subjection to multiple authorities.  Being corrected by fines or imprisonment because we err in our judgement or poor choices doesn't have to mean be are bad or wicked.  Heb 12: 5,6  "My son, do not belittle the discipline from Jehovah, nor give up when you are corrected by him; 6 for those whom Jehovah loves he disciplines, in fact, he scourges everyone whom he receives as a son."

If we view any kind of discipline as loving correction from Jehovah, we benefit from it and it shows Jehovah's  love for us.

 

Edited February 24, 2021 by Vinnie

[Alexa]

Jehovah organized certain men to weigh matters on our spiritual, civil and secular matters. We are grateful for the God-given responsibility of secular authorities to impose fines and penalties. We are also grateful for the elders who watch over our wrongdoings and considers our discipline out of love by the help of the Scriptures.