Contradiction with Matthew 5:44
While Colossians 3:12 emphasizes kindness and humility, Matthew 5:44 instructs to love enemies, which may seem contradictory in moments when one feels kindness is challenging to offer to adversaries.
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;
Contradiction with Exodus 21:24
Colossians 3:12 encourages mercy and forgiveness, while Exodus 21:24 includes the principle of "an eye for an eye," suggesting retributive justice rather than mercy.
Exodus 21:24: Eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot,
Contradiction with Psalm 137:9
The compassion and kindness called for in Colossians 3:12 clash with the violent imagery expressed in Psalm 137:9.
Psalm 137:9: Happy [shall he be], that taketh and dasheth thy little ones against the stones. [the stones: Heb. the rock]
Contradiction with Proverbs 25:21-22
While not directly contradictory, this verse suggests heaping "coals of fire" on an enemy's head while showing kindness, which can be contrasted with sincere virtues encouraged in Colossians 3:12.
Proverbs 25:21-22: If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink:
Contradiction with Luke 14:26
The call for compassionate virtues in Colossians 3:12 contrasts with the challenging claim in Luke 14:26 about hating family, presenting a tension between love and extreme loyalty to Jesus.
Luke 14:26: If any [man] come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple.