I Peter 2-3

“Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human institution … act as free men” (2:13-16).  Peter taught believers to live as God’s servants, obeying the law, governments, and leaders, knowing in their hearts that their obedience was to God, not men (v19-20).  If we are treated badly, we have Christ as our example, who “uttered no threats, but kept entrusting Himself to Him who judges righteously” (2:23).  In every situation, we should be ready to give an account for the hope that is in us (3:15).

If God is in charge of our lives, then we are free; we can submit to others willingly, and not from fear (3:6).