How Can We Reconcile These Opposing Messages?
In this article, you will learn how Galatians 5:20 contradicts Matthew 5:44, Romans 12:18, 1 Corinthians 14:33, James 3:17 and 1 John 4:7. Find the translations at the bottom of the page..
In exploring the moral and spiritual teachings of the Bible, one might find themselves pondering the apparent contradictions within its verses. On one hand, Galatians 5:20 warns against behaviors such as hatred, variance, wrath, and strife. These actions are seen as barriers that separate individuals from God's love and can be damaging to themselves and others. Christians believe that living a life of love and kindness aligns more closely with divine teachings.
However, if we look at other parts of the Bible, we find messages encouraging radically different behaviors. For instance, Matthew 5:44 challenges this notion by instructing believers to love their enemies, directly opposing any idea of harboring hatred. This concept can be puzzling to someone who is trying to live according to biblical guidance. Similarly, Romans 12:18 urges us to live peaceably with everyone, suggesting a preference for harmony over conflict, contrary to the variance mentioned in Galatians 5:20.
Taking another angle, 1 Corinthians 14:33 emphasizes that God is not a figure of confusion but of peace, thereby contradicting ideas of wrath and strife. Meanwhile, James 3:17 speaks of wisdom that is peaceable and gentle, opposing negative traits like emulations and anger.
Finally, 1 John 4:7 reminds us to love one another, emphasizing that love is of God, challenging the animosity and wrath cautioned against in Galatians.
One way to think about these contradictions is to consider the Bible as a complex dish with varied ingredients. While some elements may seem to clash, they all contribute to a more profound understanding of faith and morality. The contradictions serve to guide believers in reflecting on and interpreting the teachings in a way that fosters personal growth and spirituality. How can these seemingly opposing messages open up new avenues for deeper understanding and practice?
| # | Verse | Translation |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Galatians 5:20 | Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, |
| 2. | 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; |
| 3. | Romans 12:18 | If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. |
| 4. | 1 Corinthians 14:33 | For God is not [the author] of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints. [confusion: Gr. tumult, or, unquietness] |
| 5. | James 3:17 | But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, [and] easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. [partiality: or, wrangling] |
| 6. | 1 John 4:7 | Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. [is born: Gr. has been born] |