Balancing Acts: Should We Help Those Opposed to God?
In this article, you will learn how 2 Chronicles 19:2 contradicts James 4:4, Matthew 5:44, Luke 6:27, Proverbs 3:31, Proverbs 16:7 and Romans 12:20. Find the translations at the bottom of the page..
The Bible often provides believers with guidance that can sometimes seem contradictory, especially when it comes to interacting with those who oppose God's teachings. One striking example of this tension arises when comparing specific scripture passages.
2 Chronicles 19:2 presents a scenario where God expresses displeasure with King Jehoshaphat for assisting those who didn't follow divine ways. This passage emphasizes the importance of making discerning choices about whom we support and align ourselves with.
However, other scriptures seem to offer a contrasting viewpoint. James 4:4 stresses that friendship with the world constitutes enmity with God, reinforcing the notion of spiritual separation from those who oppose divine principles. Yet, it also suggests that we must consciously avoid aligning ourselves with worldly ways, which can muddy the waters regarding who we should help.
Furthermore, Matthew 5:44 and Luke 6:27 encourage believers to love their enemies, pray for those who persecute them, and do good to those who hate them. These teachings promote a spirit of kindness and service, even towards God's adversaries, appearing to contradict the cautionary message in 2 Chronicles 19:2.
Consider a scenario where one must decide whether to help a neighbor who outwardly opposes one's values. Proverbs 16:7 and Romans 12:20 suggest reconciliation might please God and serve as a bridge to peace and understanding. These verses propose that offering kindness to an enemy can actually align with God's intentions.
Lastly, Proverbs 3:31 warns against choosing the ways of the oppressor, resonating with the cautious stance in 2 Chronicles 19:2. However, it underscores staying apart from evil ways, regardless of any previous alliance.
Navigating these apparent contradictions requires discernment and wisdom, as believers weigh the importance of both maintaining righteous alliances and extending love and assistance even to those who oppose divinely inspired values.
| # | Verse | Translation |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | 2 Chronicles 19:2 | And Jehu the son of Hanani the seer went out to meet him, and said to king Jehoshaphat, Shouldest thou help the ungodly, and love them that hate the LORD? therefore [is] wrath upon thee from before the LORD. |
| 2. | James 4:4 | Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God. |
| 3. | Matthew 5:44 | But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; |
| 4. | Luke 6:27 | But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you, |
| 5. | Proverbs 3:31 | Envy thou not the oppressor, and choose none of his ways. [the oppressor: Heb. a man of violence] |
| 6. | Proverbs 16:7 | When a man's ways please the LORD, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him. |
| 7. | Romans 12:20 | Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. |