Definition and Context:
Patriotism is the love and devotion one has for their country, often expressed through loyalty, support, and a sense of duty. In a biblical context, patriotism can be understood as a form of stewardship and responsibility towards one's nation, aligning with the broader biblical principles of community, governance, and respect for authority.

Biblical Foundations:
The Bible does not explicitly mention "patriotism" as a term, but it provides principles that can be associated with a godly form of national loyalty. The Scriptures emphasize the importance of respecting and praying for governing authorities, as seen in 1 Timothy 2:1-2 : "First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgiving be offered for everyone—for kings and all those in authority—so that we may lead tranquil and quiet lives in all godliness and dignity."

Respect for Authority:
Romans 13:1-7 is a foundational passage that underscores the Christian duty to submit to governing authorities, as they are instituted by God: "Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except that which is from God. The authorities that exist have been appointed by God." This passage suggests that patriotism, when aligned with God's will, involves a respect for the structures and leaders that God has established.

Civic Responsibility:
Patriotism in the biblical sense also involves fulfilling one's civic duties. Jesus' teaching in Matthew 22:21 highlights the balance between spiritual and civic responsibilities: "Render to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s." This indicates that while one's ultimate allegiance is to God, there is also a responsibility to contribute positively to the society and nation in which one lives.

Love for Neighbor:
A biblical view of patriotism extends beyond mere loyalty to one's country; it encompasses love and service to fellow citizens. Galatians 5:13-14 states, "For you, brothers, were called to freedom; but do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh. Rather, serve one another in love. The entire law is fulfilled in a single decree: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'" This love and service are integral to a godly expression of patriotism.

Warnings Against Idolatry:
While patriotism is a positive value, the Bible warns against elevating national loyalty above one's allegiance to God. Philippians 3:20 reminds believers of their ultimate citizenship: "But our citizenship is in heaven, and we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ." This heavenly citizenship should guide and temper earthly patriotism, ensuring it does not become idolatrous.

Examples in Scripture:
The Old Testament provides examples of individuals who demonstrated a form of patriotism through their leadership and service to their nation. Nehemiah, for instance, showed deep concern for the welfare of Jerusalem and took action to rebuild its walls (Nehemiah 1-6). His dedication to his people and his prayers for their restoration reflect a godly form of patriotism.

Conclusion:
While the Bible does not directly address modern concepts of patriotism, it offers principles that guide believers in expressing love and loyalty to their nation in a manner that honors God. By respecting authority, fulfilling civic duties, loving neighbors, and maintaining ultimate allegiance to God, Christians can embody a biblical form of patriotism.Philippians 3:20
For our conversation is in heaven; from where also we look for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ:
Topicalbible.org

Romans 13:1-5
Let every soul be subject to the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.
Topicalbible.org

Religious Patriotism.
... I. RELIGIOUS PATRIOTISM. "Jerusalem is built as a city that is at unity in itself. . . .
O pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/percival/sermons at rugby/i religious patriotism.htm

The Flag of the World
... and approval. My acceptance of the universe is not optimism, it is more
like patriotism. It is a matter of primary loyalty. The ...
//christianbookshelf.org/chesterton/orthodoxy/v the flag of the.htm

Paragraphs from Notable Speeches
... It is of the very essence of true patriotism, therefore, to be earnest and truthful,
to scorn the flatterer's tongue, and strive to keep its native land in ...
/.../paragraphs from notable speeches.htm

Open the History of America, the History of England...
... by terror. I repose my head as willingly on this block as I ever laid it
down to sleep." This is faith in Patriotism! See Charles ...
/.../lamartine/atheism among the people/xviii open the history of.htm

'The Prince of Life'
... A man half brigand, half rebel, who had raised some petty revolt against Rome, more
as a pretext for robbery and crime than from patriotism, and whose hands ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture the acts/the prince of life.htm

The Preacher as a Patriot.
... in delivering these predictions of approaching calamity, the prophets had to put
themselves into opposition to popular forms of patriotism and incur the danger ...
/.../stalker/the preacher and his models/lecture iii the preacher as.htm

The Birthnight of Freedom
... When they have forgotten the living God, national life and patriotism have
died in them, as they died in the Jews. When they have ...
/.../kingsley/the gospel of the pentateuch/sermon xii the birthnight of.htm

A Cultivated Conservative Friend of Mine once Exhibited Great ...
... insectolatry are the floods of flattery poured by modern people on that energetic
nation of the Far East of which it has been said that "Patriotism is its only ...
/.../chesterton/whats wrong with the world/chapter 42 a cultivated conservative.htm

Seeketh not Her Own. 1 Corinthians 13:5.
... That has the common sense of mankind decided on this point? Look at the common
sense of mankind in regard to what is called patriotism. ...
/.../finney/lectures to professing christians/seeketh not her own 1.htm

A Nation's Struggle for a Home and Freedom.
... Courage and real patriotism were almost unknown to them even as early as the
seventeenth century BC, when the Egyptian king Thutmose III invaded the land of ...
/.../kent/the making of a nation/study xii a nations struggle.htm

What is Christian freedom? | GotQuestions.org

Is freedom of religion a biblical concept? | GotQuestions.org

Is freedom of speech a biblical concept? | GotQuestions.org

Freedom: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus