Is it Biblical to be Patriotic?

With America’s Independence Day approaching, it’s a good time for Christians to consider this question. But the answer doesn’t just apply to believers in the US. For Christ followers around the world, there are plenty of biblical reasons to celebrate their countries.

First, Scripture encourages us to celebrate the righteousness of our nations. According to Proverbs 14:34, “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people.” Though some may feel squeamish about praising human governments, the biblical authors don’t hesitate to do so. Western Christians in particular have much to celebrate. In spite of many sins and missteps, their countries have defended the helpless, established just laws, and stood against tyrants around the world.

Of course, some nations are dominated by injustice. As Communist countries, China and Cuba are officially atheistic; Saudi Arabia and Sudan operate by strict Islamic law, punishing evangelism; and some governments in Africa are overrun with corruption. In such nations, Christians cannot celebrate righteousness in the same way American and British believers can, for instance. Still, they can love their countries and work for a day when righteousness will prevail. As Jeremiah counseled the Jewish exiles in Babylon, “Seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the LORD on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare” (Jeremiah 29:7).

Second, the Bible encourages us to celebrate God’s sovereign appointment of our government leaders. “For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God” (Romans 13:1). In some cases, we celebrate the wisdom and goodness of leaders. In others, when they are wicked, we celebrate God’s perfect plan to use them to achieve a good end for His people—all the while working for change and never condoning wicked governance.

Third, the Bible highlights the importance of religious freedom, suggesting that Christians should rejoice when they live in nations that enjoy such freedom. When Jesus said, “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s” (Matthew 22:21), He established the principle that there is one realm of activity under God’s direct authority and another where civil government exercises direct authority as God’s instrument. States that unduly restrict Christian worship overstep their assigned sphere of authority and sin against God’s people. Believers who live in nations that respect the Lord’s boundaries for civil government do well to celebrate religious freedom.

Verse two of the US national anthem says it this way, “Blest with victory and peace, may the heaven-rescued land praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation!” Likewise, believers in every “heaven-rescued land” should be thankful to God and love their countries.