Government is instituted by God to be a terror to evil, not a passive bystander - Pastor Tony Rapu

The government does not bear the sword in vain.

Nigeria is facing a grave national crisis: extremist violence, mass kidnappings, and rampant crime. What once seemed concentrated in the North now appears to be pushing through the Middle Belt and reaching parts of Southern Nigeria.

In times like this, we must look at what God’s Word says about the true purpose of government authority.

Scripture draws a clear distinction. Individuals are called to show mercy, but government carries a different kind of responsibility.

 Romans 13:3–4 (ESV)

“For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad... 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.”

“Not in vain” means the sword isn’t decorative. God entrusts government with authority for a reason: to restrain wrongdoers, protect citizens and carry out justice. It is a duty.

This is a call to the Nigerian government. The kidnapping of children and teachers, and the tragic killing of a teacher in Ogbomosho, Oyo State cannot be ignored. Government is instituted by God to be a terror to evil, not a passive bystander. It must pursue wrongdoers, dismantle terror networks, enforce justice and restore peace to our communities.

We pray for our leaders, but we also hold them to this divine standard. Let the authorities use the sword they have been given to bring the perpetrators to justice and restore peace to Nigeria.

#Nigeria #PrayForNigeria #SecureNigeria #Ogbomosho #OyoState