5. You must obey the authorities. Then you will not be punished. You must also obey them because you know it is right.
6. That's also why you pay taxes. The authorities serve God. Ruling takes up all their time.
7. Give to everyone what you owe. Do you owe taxes? Then pay them. Do you owe anything else to the government? Then pay it. Do you owe respect? Then give it. Do you owe honor? Then show it.
8. Pay everything you owe. But you can never pay back all the love you owe each other. Those who love others have done everything the law requires.
9. Here are some commandments to think about. "Do not commit adultery." "Do not commit murder." "Do not steal." "Do not want what belongs to others." (Exodus 20:13-15,17; Deuteronomy 5:17-19,21) These and other commandments are all included in one rule. Here's what it is. "Love your neighbor as you love yourself." (Leviticus 19:18)
10. Love does not harm its neighbor. So love does everything the law requires.
11. When you do those things, keep in mind the times we are living in. The hour has come for you to wake up from your sleep. Our full salvation is closer now than it was when we first believed in Christ.