Contradiction with Matthew 10:34
This verse states, "Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword." It contradicts the idea of love and peace mentioned in John 15:12, suggesting conflict instead.
Matthew 10:34: Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword.
Contradiction with Luke 14:26
This verse says, "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." It contradicts the command to love one another by suggesting a need for hate in some relationships.
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.
Contradiction with Exodus 21:24
This verse mentions "Eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot," which contradicts the notion of unconditional love by endorsing retributive justice instead.
Exodus 21:24: Eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot,
Contradiction with Deuteronomy 7:2
This verse commands, "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." It contradicts the commandment to love others by instructing to show no mercy.
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:
Contradiction with Psalm 137:9
This verse states, "Happy shall he be, that taketh and dasheth thy little ones against the stones." It contradicts John 15:12 by endorsing violence rather than love and kindness.
Psalm 137:9: Happy [shall he be], that taketh and dasheth thy little ones against the stones. [the stones: Heb. the rock]
Contradiction with Ecclesiastes 3:8
This verse states, "A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace." It suggests that there are times for hate, contradicting the constant command to love in John 15:12.
Ecclesiastes 3:8: A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.
Paradox #1
The contradiction or conflict could be that "John 15:12" emphasizes loving others as a central commandment, which might seem inconsistent with other biblical passages that describe instances of judgment, punishment, or exclusivity. This could create confusion or tension between the ideals of unconditional love and instances where love might appear conditional or selective.