Hope for Police Officersናሙና

The Public

The people in your patrol sector can be challenging. They test your patience, rebel against your authority, and hurt others—and that’s only the law-abiding citizens. The criminals are worse. It seems you can never let your guard down, lest people take you for a pushover.

Interacting so often with those of low moral standards makes you skeptical of everyone’s motives. It changes you in ways others may not appreciate. But you’re not doing this for human approval. Galatians 1:10 reminds us God is the only one you need to worry about.

Still, no doubt there are times you wonder if it’s worth it. Perhaps changing to another city would be easier—maybe even a different career altogether.

Your job requires great courage. In John 15:13, Jesus says there’s no greater love than to lay down his life for another. That’s what you do every single day, even for those who despise you and all for which your department stands.

Whether they appreciate it or not, the public needs you. They need the love of God too. You may not be allowed to directly present the gospel to people or take the valuable time it requires. You can, however, ask God to give you creative ideas for communicating his truth and love to the citizens you protect. Ask the Lord to help you model this, even amid your exhortation and commands.

What a wonderful thought to realize the Lord has hand-picked you for this job. God has given you hope for each day’s assignment. Rest in the knowledge that he’s equipped and trained you for this difficult role. He will protect you. What will you do today to strategically integrate God’s truth into your role as a keeper of the law?