Reconciling Justice and Mercy: How Do We Treat Wrongdoers?
In this article, you will learn how Matthew 18:6 contradicts Matthew 5:44, Matthew 7:1, Romans 12:19, Luke 6:37 and James 4:12. Find the translations at the bottom of the page..
The Bible offers profound insights on morality and justice, but readers often encounter apparent contradictions in its teachings. Take, for example, the tension between protecting the innocent and extending love and forgiveness, even to wrongdoers.
In Matthew 18:6, Jesus emphasizes the grave offense of leading children astray. He warns that it would be better to face severe consequences than to cause harm to these little ones in their faith journey. This verse unequivocally positions such wrongdoing as deserving of judgment. Imagine a shepherd fiercely protecting his flock from wolves; the shepherd's duty is to keep the vulnerable safe at any cost.
Conversely, other biblical passages advocate for love, forgiveness, and abstention from judgment. Matthew 5:44 calls believers to love their enemies and to pray for their persecutors, emphasizing redemption over retribution. Similarly, Matthew 7:1 cautions against judging others, lest we too be judged. This suggests a posture of humility, much like leaving a verdict to a judge instead of taking the law into one's hands.
Romans 12:19 echoes the sentiment of leaving vengeance to God, reminding us of divine sovereignty over justice. Luke 6:37 promotes forgiveness, contrasting starkly with Matthew 18:6's severe consequence. Here, forgiveness is likened to canceling a debt rather than demanding repayment.
James 4:12 drives home the notion that human judgment is limited: only God, the ultimate Lawgiver, is fit to pass judgment. This can be seen as entrusting the steering wheel to a qualified driver when a passenger might make careless errors.
These contrasts highlight a profound question for believers: How do we balance justice with mercy, protection with forgiveness? While the Bible acknowledges wrongdoing and the need for accountability, it also calls for compassion and leaves ultimate judgment in divine hands. In a world full of complexity, the challenge is to discern when to act and when to forgive.
| # | Verse | Translation |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Matthew 18:6 | But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and [that] he were drowned in the depth of the sea. |
| 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. | Matthew 7:1 | Judge not, that ye be not judged. |
| 4. | Romans 12:19 | Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but [rather] give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance [is] mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. |
| 5. | Luke 6:37 | Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven: |
| 6. | James 4:12 | There is one lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy: who art thou that judgest another? |