The Bible teaches that we should pay taxes to the government not to offend them; as we are encouraged to live in peace with each other and if possible, all people. We are the light of the world therefore we ought to lead by example, not because it benefits us, but because it is essential to draw many to the kingdom of God.
The reason we are concerned about this matter is simply that we do not agree with the programs our government funds using tax money, such as abortion, LGBTQ, and other demonic agendas such as supporting wars that do not benefit our respective countries.
The best way to influence the government’s decision is by being involved in the government. Christians should not refrain from political positions, but rather act out with boldness like Daniel, Nehemiah, and the righteous kings of the Old Testament. We cannot change a system by detaching ourselves from it. Prayer and faith without action are futile!
We should also come out during elections to show support for candidates who uphold Christian traditional values, especially those willing to support and protect the traditional family structure.
Related: How should Christians respond to climate change?
What does the Bible say about paying taxes?
There are many biblical references that give clear reasons as to why Christians should pay taxes to the government. The Bible does not command us to do so, but it exhorts us to consider it worth paying taxes to the government for several reasons that we will discuss below.
What Jesus taught about paying taxes?
In Matthew 17:24-27, after Jesus and His disciples had arrived in Capernaum, a tax collector approached Peter inquiring whether Jesus used to pay taxes. What conspires is very interesting and we need to read between the lines of Jesus’ response to the matter.
Matthew 17:25-27
He said, “Yes.” And when he came into the house, Jesus spoke to him first, saying, “What do you think, Simon? From whom do kings of the earth take tax? From their sons or from others?” And when he said, “From others,” Jesus said to him, “Then the sons are free. However, not to give offense to them, go to the sea and cast a hook and take the first fish that comes up, and when you open its mouth you will find a shekel. Take that and give it to them for me and for yourself.”
Jesus likened the government to the Kingdom. We know that governors and their families have special privileges; as they are exempted from paying taxes. So are we who are now sons and daughters of God through Christ.
Since the world doesn’t acknowledge Christ and His Kingdom, our failure to pay taxes will work against us. We will face unnecessary persecution for what we can avoid. For this reason, Jesus taught his disciples to pay taxes to avoid offending ruling officials. In this way, these officials will find nothing relevant to accuse Christians of.
When Jesus was asked by the Pharisees whether it was right to pay taxes to Caesar or not, He asked for a coin that contained the portrait of Caesar. He told them to give to Caesar what belongs to him and to God what is God’s. (Matthew 7:22 17). The Pharisees were trying to find fault with His words but failed
What did Paul say about paying taxes?
Paul taught that we should submit ourselves to the governing authorities as it is God who allows these men to rule, and serve His divine purpose; either to bless or to punish a nation. “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.” (Romance 13:1)
What we are seeing today in America is a result of God’s judgment; because of the great wickedness committed against innocent children, the injustice in the judiciary system, and the corruption in the government. America has been rebelling against God for a long time, which is why God is allowing leaders like Biden to rule. This will serve two things; to expose the true deposit of the heart of the people, and pass judgment on the nation.
Paul exhorts Christians to owe no one anything except to love one another. (Romans 13:8). For this reason, if we owe taxes, we need to pay them to liberate ourselves for conscience’s sake. (Romans 13:7, 13:5). In other words, love demands we pay our taxes.
Romans 13:5-8
Therefore one must be in subjection, not only to avoid God's wrath but also for the sake of conscience. For because of this you also pay taxes, for the authorities are ministers of God, attending to this very thing. Pay to all what is owed to them: taxes to whom taxes are owed, revenue to whom revenue is owed, respect to whom respect is owed, honor to whom honor is owed.
Owe no one anything, except to love each other, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law.
In Romans 12:18, Paul encourages Christians “to repay no evil for evil but rather to take thought for what is noble in the sight of all. And if possible, as far as it depends on you, live peaceably with everyone”.
Should Christians pay taxes to the government? The simple answer is yes. To avoid unnecessary confrontation with government officials, and for the purpose of living with a clear conscience.
