Law enforcement and the police play an important role in society. As Christians, it is important to understand what the Bible teaches about submitting to governing authorities, including the police. Here is an overview of some key biblical principles regarding law enforcement and police:
1. Governing authorities are established by God
The Bible makes it clear that all governing authorities are instituted by God. Romans 13:1 states, “Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.” This means that even if we disagree with laws or don’t like particular leaders, God has sovereignly allowed them to have authority for the purpose of maintaining order and justice in society.
2. Christians should submit to and respect the police
Because governing authorities are established by God, the Bible instructs Christians to submit to them. 1 Peter 2:13-14 states, “Be subject for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good.” Romans 13:5 adds, “Therefore one must be in subjection, not only to avoid God’s wrath but also for the sake of conscience.” Part of this submission includes obeying laws, paying taxes, showing respect and honor, and praying for those in authority.
This means Christians should have a general posture of respect toward police officers and submit to their authority. However, the Bible does not teach blind or absolute submission. If police ask us to do something unethical or against God’s commands, we should obey God rather than men (Acts 5:29).
3. The role of police is to punish wrongdoers and praise the just
Romans 13:3-4 explains that governing authorities like the police “are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad.” It continues, “For he is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God’s wrath on the wrongdoer.”
This passage shows that the role of law enforcement is to punish criminal behavior and restrain evil in society. Police officers are “servants of God” who act as his agents to execute justice and wrath upon those who break the law. When police officers carry out their duties faithfully, they maintain order, peace, and security.
4. Christians should pray for those in law enforcement
The Bible encourages us to pray for all those in authority over us, including those who serve in law enforcement. 1 Timothy 2:1-2 exhorts, “First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.” We should pray for the safety, wisdom, and integrity of police officers and law enforcement officials.
5. We are called to do good to all people, including the police
While the police enforce laws and punish criminal behavior, Christians are called to show grace and love to all people. Romans 12:21 teaches, “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” Galatians 6:10 says, “So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.” This includes doing good to those who serve in law enforcement through acts of kindness, encouragement, service, honor, and care.
6. Christians should obey the law and avoid criminal behavior
The Bible repeatedly instructs believers to obey laws and avoid criminal activity. 1 Peter 4:15 warns, “Let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler.” Romans 13:2 also says, “Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment.” While Christians should resist unbiblical commands, they should strive to obey laws that do not require sin.
7. Followers of Jesus should seek to be peacemakers in all situations
As part of their Christian witness, believers should attempt to defuse tense situations involving the police through respect, wisdom, calmness, and non-violence. Romans 12:18 says, “If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.” Matthew 5:9 also declares, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” Seeking peace demonstrates the love of Christ.
8. Christians are called to show justice, especially to the vulnerable and oppressed
Standing up for justice is important in the Bible. Proverbs 31:8-9 states, “Open your mouth for the mute, for the rights of all who are destitute. Open your mouth, judge righteously, defend the rights of the poor and needy.” Christians should promote justice for all people, including justice in the criminal justice system. We should be prepared to speak out against injustice and corruption.
9. We should reflect Christ’s love as we interact with law enforcement
In all their interactions with police officers and law enforcement officials, Christians are called to represent Jesus Christ. As 1 Peter 2:12 teaches, we should “Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation.” Our speech, attitude, and actions should reflect Christ’s love.
10. Christians await the ultimate justice of Jesus Christ
While we respect earthly authorities, believers look forward to the return of Jesus Christ, who will judge the world in perfect righteousness. Revelation 19:11 says, “Then I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse! The one sitting on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he judges and makes war.” As we wait for Christ’s return, we pray for his kingdom to come and his will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
In summary, the Bible provides foundational principles regarding law enforcement and the police. As Christians, we are called to submit to governing authorities while avoiding sinful compliance. We should honor and pray for police officers while promoting justice, especially for the vulnerable. In all things, we point ahead to the future hope of justice and righteousness under Jesus Christ.
Law enforcement officers and the police have very important roles in our society according to the Bible. Christian believers need to understand they are put there by God for good. But we also need to hold them accountable and speak out against any injustices while treating them with the utmost Christ-like love, care and respect at all times. As Jesus said, blessed are the peacemakers. As Christians, we should promote peace with and respect for law enforcement, while still advocating for truth, justice, freedom, and righteousness under God’s gracious authority.
Some key Bible passages we have covered so far regarding the Christian view of law enforcement and police include:
- Romans 13:1-7
- 1 Peter 2:13-17
- Titus 3:1
- 1 Timothy 2:1-3
- Acts 5:29
- Proverbs 31:8-9
- Matthew 5:9
Romans 13 in particular gives an overview of how God has established governing authorities for good, and why Christians should strive to honor and submit to them. 1 Peter 2 provides additional instructions to believers on honoring human institutions such as the police and emperor. Titus 3:1 and 1 Timothy 2 instruct us to be subject to rulers and pray for them. Acts 5:29 clarifies that our obedience is ultimately to God first when governing authorities depart from biblical standards. And passages like Proverbs 31 and Matthew 5 show our duty to promote justice, speak up for the oppressed, and seek peace.
There are also several examples in the Bible where followers of God interacted with governing officials that provide principles we can learn from:
- Jesus peacefully submitted to law enforcement at his arrest and trial, while also advocating for truth (Matthew 26-27)
- Peter and John obeyed authorities when commanded to stop preaching, but continued to preach in accordance with God’s commands (Acts 4)
- Paul used his Roman citizenship to appeal to Caesar in his trial, advocating for justice while respecting authorities (Acts 25:10-12)
- Daniel peacefully refused to follow the king’s decree while still honoring him (Daniel 6)
These examples show followers of God standing up for what is right, while still showing honor and respect to governing officials. They teach us to pursue justice, avoid sinful obedience, and trust God even in unfair trials.
How should Christians view corrupt or oppressive police forces?
While the Bible teaches Christians to generally submit to governing authorities, what about corrupt or oppressive police forces? Here are some principles to keep in mind:
- Pray for righteous leadership and for hearts and minds to be changed (1 Timothy 2:1-3)
- Expose injustice through facts, truth, and objective reporting (Ephesians 5:11)
- Advocate for reform through legal and ethical means (Proverbs 31:8-9)
- Avoid generalization – point out individuals and systems, not entire groups
- Forgive those who trespassed against you (Matthew 6:14-15)
- Do not repay evil for evil (Romans 12:17)
- Hope for reconciliation and restoration (2 Corinthians 5:18-19)
Christians have biblical warrant to respectfully dissent, criticize, protest, and advocate for change against corruption and oppression. However, this should be done through ethical, legal, and peaceful means. And our motivation should be love for all parties involved, not revenge or generalization against entire groups. As 1 Peter 3:17 says, “It is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God’s will, than for doing evil.”
What perspective should Christians have when participating in protests about police brutality?
Here are some principles for Christians to keep in mind if participating in protests regarding police brutality and injustice:
- Have accurate information – avoid making judgments too quickly (Proverbs 18:13)
- Make appeals based on facts, justice, and morality, not emotions alone (Proverbs 16:25)
- Advocate for reform, not destruction of people and property (Jeremiah 29:7)
- Maintain an attitude of love (1 Corinthians 13:1-3)
- Commit to peaceful, nonviolent methods (Romans 12:14)
- Seek unity, not division along racial lines (Galatians 3:28)
- Obey lawful directions by authorities (Romans 13:1)
- Be cautious about making broad generalizations
- Pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17)
Christians have good reason to stand against injustice, but should do so through ethical means, avoiding destruction, violence, and excessive generalization against groups. Our activism should reflect the light of Christ amid darkness.
What rights do citizens have when interacting with law enforcement?
Though Christians should strive to obey the law and comply with police orders, citizens do have civil rights and legal protections when interacting with law enforcement officers:
- The right to remain silent and not answer potentially self-incriminating questions
- The right to request an attorney – police must stop questioning if the person requests counsel
- The right to refuse consent to search person or property, unless police have a warrant
- The right to film police interactions in public spaces
- The right to peaceful protest on public property
- The right to be free from excessive force or cruelty
- The right to due process of law before facing criminal punishment
Of course, rights should be exercised respectfully and peacefully. 1 Peter 3:16 encourages believers to “keep your conscience clear, so that…you may not be put to shame in anything you say.” Christians should know their legal rights and protections without antagonizing officers or resisting lawful orders.
How should Christian police officers conduct themselves according to biblical principles?
For Christians serving in positions of law enforcement, here are some key biblical principles to guide conduct on the job:
- Uphold justice and oppose oppression – “rescue the weak and needy” (Psalm 82:3-4)
- Serve all people equally regardless of ethnicity or status (Deuteronomy 10:17-19)
- Conduct yourself honorably to reflect well on Christ (1 Peter 2:12)
- Use force judiciously – “Blessed are the peacemakers” (Matthew 5:9)
- Be quick to listen to citizen concerns (Proverbs 18:13)
- Watch your own morality – flee sexual sin (1 Corinthians 6:18)
- Do not accept bribes or show favoritism (Exodus 23:8)
- Be prepared to disobey unjust or immoral orders (Acts 5:29)
Police officers who are Christians have great opportunities to serve as agents of justice, peace, and righteousness. Yet they also face spiritual challenges requiring moral courage and wisdom.
Conclusion
The Bible provides foundational guidance for how Christians should view law enforcement officers, interact with police, and conduct themselves when serving in law enforcement. While we are called to submit to governing authorities, our ultimate allegiance is to God. Christians should honor and pray for police while also expecting them to uphold high moral standards. With Christ-like love and justice, believers can promote peaceful relations and constructive reforms in law enforcement.