What is Corruption?

• Corruption is dishonesty and misuse of power, especially by people in positions of authority—government officials, heads of companies, policy officers, or even church leaders.
• Taking bribes, receiving favors, misusing tax money or donations, and covering up wrongdoing are examples of corruption.
• Corruption causes leaders to make decisions based on their own interests rather than on what’s best for the people or right in God’s sight. Corruption oppresses the weak while favoring the rich.

The Lies That Cause Corruption

Leaders often justify corrupt actions because they believe Satan’s lies, like:

• Everyone is doing it so it’s not possible for me to be different.
• Since I am helping others, I have a right to get something in return.
• Power and money are what’s important.
• I need to take care of my own family.

Satan wants everyone to believe:

• Some people deserve more than others
• Authorities must be appeased
• We must follow the systems; it can’t change

What Does the Bible Say?

The Bible is clear that God stands against corruption:

• Believers must not show favoritism toward the rich. (James 2)
• Do not take bribes. (Deuteronomy 16:19)
• The love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. (1 Timothy 6:10)

But He promises to bless those who uphold justice:

• ‘I will be an enemy to your enemies and will oppose those who oppose you.’ (Exodus 23:22)
• He will heal us, hear our prayers, guide us, and meet our needs. (Isaiah 58)

Please Pray

Praise God for His justice—His judgements are always right; He never shows favoritism; He is Holy.

None of us are perfect, except for God. Take time to search your heart before the Lord:

• Pray that God will reveal any lies that Satan has told you in order to tempt you to corruption. Pray that God will renew your mind. (Romans 12:2)
• If God reveals any corruption to you, repent as Zaccheus did! The Lord loves you and will forgive and cleanse you when you confess. (1 John 1:9)

Pray for your church(es):

• To model justice and truth to your community, so they can glimpse God’s character.
• To show no favoritism toward the rich or powerful, but to have God’s heart for those who are least.

Pray for government and businesses:

• For God to raise up leaders who will stand against corruption and that He’ll protect them as they do.
• That God will change the mindsets of those who’ve acted corrupt so they will love justice.
• That just laws would be passed and enforced that do not favor the rich or allow corruption.