Loving Kindness vs. Absolute Justice: A Biblical Paradox?
In this article, you will learn how Matthew 5:44 contradicts Psalm 139:21-22, Deuteronomy 7:2, Leviticus 24:19-20, 2 Kings 2:23-24 and Psalm 58:6. Find the translations at the bottom of the page..
In the teachings of Jesus, as highlighted in Matthew 5:44, the call to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us sets a revolutionary tone of forgiveness and compassion. This approach suggests that our response to hostility should be one of benevolence, fostering a world where love prevails over vengeance. However, when examining other parts of the Bible, a paradox emerges.
Consider Psalm 139:21-22, where an intense disdain towards enemies is evident, starkly opposing the message of love and prayer from Matthew. Similarly, Deuteronomy 7:2 instructs the Israelites to destroy their adversaries, advocating for zero tolerance and mercy—a perspective seemingly at odds with Jesus' teaching. This is akin to a code of unyielding justice overshadowing compassionate forgiveness.
Leviticus 24:19-20 further compounds this contradiction with the famous "eye for eye" mandate. This law of retaliation suggests a tit-for-tat strategy, directly contradicting the ethos of blessing those who curse you. Imagine a world where every offense prompts equal retribution—how does this sit alongside the sowing of love?
The narrative in 2 Kings 2:23-24 adds another layer to this contrast. Here, the prophet Elisha curses misbehaving children in the name of the Lord, a scene clearly divergent from blessing and praying for adversaries. Lastly, Psalm 58:6 intensifies this paradox with a call for divine intervention against foes, counter to the peaceful approach advised by Jesus.
These disparate messages present a compelling tension within scripture, prompting reflection on whether love and strict justice can coexist harmoniously. Can humanity strive for a balance between compassionate forgiveness and unwavering justice, or are these principles inherently at odds? Understanding these nuances invites us to explore deeper interpretations and engage with the spiritual discourse surrounding forgiveness, justice, and love.
| # | Verse | Translation |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | 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; |
| 2. | Psalm 139:21-22 | Do not I hate them, O LORD, that hate thee? and am not I grieved with those that rise up against thee? |
| 3. | Deuteronomy 7:2 | And when the LORD thy God shall deliver them before thee; thou shalt smite them, [and] utterly destroy them; thou shalt make no covenant with them, nor shew mercy unto them: |
| 4. | Leviticus 24:19-20 | And if a man cause a blemish in his neighbour; as he hath done, so shall it be done to him; |
| 5. | 2 Kings 2:23-24 | And he went up from thence unto Bethel: and as he was going up by the way, there came forth little children out of the city, and mocked him, and said unto him, Go up, thou bald head; go up, thou bald head. |
| 6. | Psalm 58:6 | Break their teeth, O God, in their mouth: break out the great teeth of the young lions, O LORD. |