Contradiction with James 2:17
This verse emphasizes that faith without works is dead, emphasizing actions over words, similar to 1 John 3:18, which also stresses actions over mere words for showing love.
James 2:17: Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. [alone: Gr. by itself]
Contradiction with Matthew 15:8
This verse highlights hypocrisy, where people honor with their lips but not their hearts, which aligns with the message of 1 John 3:18 to love through deeds, contradicting the notion of only verbal love.
Matthew 15:8: This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with [their] lips; but their heart is far from me.
Contradiction with John 13:34-35
These verses instruct to love one another as a way to show discipleship, resonating with the call in 1 John 3:18 to love in actions rather than just words.
John 13:34-35: A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.
Contradiction with Luke 6:46
This criticizes those who call Jesus 'Lord' but don't follow his teachings, parallel to the message in 1 John 3:18 of ensuring love is demonstrated through actions, potentially contradicting the idea of solely verbal declarations.
Luke 6:46: And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?
Paradox #1
This verse encourages people to love through actions and truth, not just words. A potential moral conflict might arise if someone believes that intentions or spoken expressions of love are sufficient, without needing to back them up with concrete actions. This could challenge individuals who think that feelings or verbal affirmations hold as much value as actions. However, for most, this does not usually present a significant contradiction in practice.