Contradiction with Matthew 6:14-15
These verses emphasize the necessity of forgiving others to receive forgiveness from God, whereas Luke 11:4 simply references forgiving others as part of a prayer without an explicit condition on God's forgiveness linked to forgiving others.
Matthew 6:14-15: For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:
Contradiction with Mark 11:25-26
These verses underscore that forgiveness from God is conditional upon forgiving others, which presents a more explicit requirement than the wording in Luke 11:4.
Mark 11:25-26: And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.
Contradiction with James 2:13
This verse highlights judgment without mercy for those who have not shown mercy, contrasting with the more general call for forgiveness in Luke 11:4 without such a stringent consequence.
James 2:13: For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment. [rejoiceth: or, glorieth]
Paradox #1
One possible contradiction in Luke 11:4 is the idea of conditional forgiveness. The verse suggests that God's forgiveness is conditional on our willingness to forgive others. This can seem inconsistent with other parts of the Bible that describe God's love and forgiveness as unconditional and freely given, such as in passages emphasizing grace. This raises questions about whether divine forgiveness depends on human actions.
Paradox #2
Some people see a contradiction in asking for forgiveness while also being required to forgive others. They might find it challenging to forgive those who have wronged them but still want to be forgiven for their own mistakes. This could seem inconsistent to those who believe that forgiveness should be given freely, without conditions.