Gò0dNews for Everyone
The Man with The Sword
W
by Filip Brunner
e have it backwards when we think that
twelve-hour shifts before, so I understand the immense
we need to fear the men and women in law
pressure police officers are under day in, day out.
enforcement. Do not take my word for it,
Some are men and women of excellent character who
see what God in His Word has to say about the subject. “For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to
the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? Do
love what they do and want to keep the neighborhoods safe for all people. When we speak out in blind anger against the
that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the
minister of God, we are in fact speaking out against
same, for he is the minister of God to thee for good.
God who installed him or her into the office which
But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid, for he beareth not the sword in vain. For he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil” (Romans 13:3-4). First of all, notice that God is saying rulers—or in this case the law enforcement representatives of the executive branch of federal, state and local governments—are not a terror to good works, but of the evil. As a citizen, it is my responsibility to live in accordance to the laws which govern the particular society I am a part of. Therefore, when I am confronted by law enforcement with an alleged infraction of the law—and I am innocent—I need to cooperate with the men and women who are charged with
they are to execute with justice. We do need to speak
enforcement of the law.
out against individuals who bring shame to the office,
Why? All authority that is granted to anyone is
but in such a way in which civilized members of
granted to them by God— “…for he is the minister of
society are to be heard and not in wanton disregard for
God unto thee for good…” and “…he is the minister
any propriety.
of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.” This includes law enforcement. When a member
Besides, men and women of faith, let God deal with them. He is the one who promised: “Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place
of law enforcement does that which is evil in breaking
unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will
the law, he or she is under the same—if not greater—
repay, saith the Lord” (Romans 12:19).
condemnation as any criminal out there. proverbial baby with the bathwater. I have worked
30 // July 2021
About The Author
We need to be careful to not throw out the Filip Brunner is married to his wife, Dr. Kim Brunner and together they have six children. He is a writer, author, and artist.
