Topical Encyclopedia
Patriotism, the love and devotion to one's country, is a theme that can be explored through various scriptures in the Bible. While the Bible does not explicitly use the term "patriotism," it provides principles and examples that can be applied to the concept of national loyalty and responsibility.
1.
Respect for Authority and Government: The Bible emphasizes the importance of respecting and submitting to governing authorities as they are instituted by God.
Romans 13:1-7 states, "Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except that which is from God. The authorities that exist have been appointed by God." This passage underscores the belief that government is part of God's order, and thus, respecting it is a form of honoring God's sovereignty.
2.
Prayer for Leaders and Nation: Believers are encouraged to pray for their leaders and their nation. In
1 Timothy 2:1-2 , Paul writes, "First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgiving be offered for everyone—for kings and all those in authority—so that we may lead tranquil and quiet lives in all godliness and dignity." This scripture highlights the role of prayer in supporting national leaders and seeking the welfare of the country.
3.
Seeking the Welfare of the Nation: The prophet Jeremiah instructed the exiles in Babylon to seek the peace and prosperity of the city where they were living.
Jeremiah 29:7 says, "Seek the prosperity of the city to which I have sent you as exiles. Pray to the LORD on its behalf, for if it prospers, you too will prosper." This directive reflects the idea that the well-being of one's nation is intertwined with the well-being of its inhabitants.
4.
Dual Citizenship: While Christians are called to be good citizens of their earthly nations, they are also reminded of their ultimate citizenship in heaven.
Philippians 3:20 states, "But our citizenship is in heaven, and we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ." This dual citizenship calls believers to balance their earthly responsibilities with their heavenly allegiance.
5.
Examples of Patriotic Figures: The Bible provides examples of individuals who demonstrated loyalty to their nation. Nehemiah, for instance, showed great concern for the welfare of Jerusalem and took action to rebuild its walls (Nehemiah 1-6). His dedication to his homeland serves as a model of patriotic commitment.
6.
Justice and Righteousness: The Bible calls for justice and righteousness within a nation.
Proverbs 14:34 declares, "Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people." This verse suggests that the moral and ethical conduct of a nation's citizens contributes to its overall standing and prosperity.
7.
Love for Neighbor: Patriotism should not overshadow the biblical command to love one's neighbor. Jesus taught in
Mark 12:31 , "The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ No other commandment is greater than these." This principle encourages believers to extend their love and concern beyond national boundaries, promoting peace and goodwill among all people.
In summary, while the Bible does not directly address the modern concept of patriotism, it provides guidance on how believers can engage with their nation through respect for authority, prayer, seeking the nation's welfare, and maintaining a balance between earthly and heavenly citizenship.
Nave's Topical Index
Deuteronomy 26:1-11And it shall be, when you are come in to the land which the LORD your God gives you for an inheritance, and possess it, and dwell therein;
Nave's Topical IndexJudges 5:1-31
Then sang Deborah and Barak the son of Abinoam on that day, saying,
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Psalm 51:18
Do good in your good pleasure to Zion: build you the walls of Jerusalem.
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Psalm 85:1-13
Lord, you have been favorable to your land: you have brought back the captivity of Jacob.
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Psalm 122:6,7
Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love you.
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Psalm 128:5,6
The LORD shall bless you out of Zion: and you shall see the good of Jerusalem all the days of your life.
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Psalm 137:1-6
By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down, yes, we wept, when we remembered Zion.
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Isaiah 62:1
For Zion's sake will I not hold my peace, and for Jerusalem's sake I will not rest, until the righteousness thereof go forth as brightness, and the salvation thereof as a lamp that burns.
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Jeremiah 8:11,21,22
For they have healed the hurt of the daughter of my people slightly, saying, Peace, peace; when there is no peace.
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Jeremiah 9:1,2
Oh that my head were waters, and my eyes a fountain of tears, that I might weep day and night for the slain of the daughter of my people!
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Lamentations 5:1-22
Remember, O LORD, what is come on us: consider, and behold our reproach.
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Library
From the Close of theGeneral Conference of 1812 to the Death of...
... Question Will you give any commandmentconcerning your bones... to unite the feeling
of truepatriotism with a... attended to their duties in thegeneral work, and...
The Classes and the Masses
... the whole community feels it a duty ofpatriotism to do... find certain Tamil words
in the HebrewScriptures, and so... from among the Masses, as ageneral rule, are...
An American Reformer.
... capability of endurance, and ardentpatriotism,"traits which... seen the evidence in
theScriptures."(563... Why thisgeneral reluctance to investigate its teachings...
After the War.
... dollar" for new calls ofpatriotism and charity... ignorant, or merely sentimental
expositions of theScriptures.... has been relieved by thegeneral introduction of...
An American Reformer
... by capability of endurance, and ardentpatriotism"traits which... the evidence in the
Scriptures.""Ibid., pages... Why thisgeneral reluctance to investigate its...
The Old Testament Canon from Its Beginning to Its Close.
... with pious aspirations enlivening theirpatriotism, did they... with regard to the
Scriptures are deduced... he prophesied, because thegeneral consciousness that...
The Bible and the French Revolution.
... 388) The two witnesses represent theScriptures of the... be dragged to the stake; no
morepatriotism to be... the flight of the Huguenots ageneral decline settled...
The Bible and the French Revolution
... The two witnesses represent theScriptures of the Old and... dragged to the stake; no
morepatriotism to be... the flight of the Huguenots ageneral decline settled...
The Epistle to the Hebrews
... Again, the author takes ageneral view of faith as... 2) he was "mighty in theScriptures,"
and Hebrews... worship and the zeal of Jewishpatriotism were luring them...
Conflicts of the Church with Public Wrongs.
... and unanimous declaration of the PresbyterianGeneral Assembly in... and that, though
theScriptures rightly and... a deep passion of honestpatriotism, now becoming...
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