Contradiction with Matthew 23:33
Luke 6:28 instructs to bless those who curse, while Matthew 23:33 has Jesus calling the Pharisees "serpents" and a "generation of vipers," which could be seen as conflicting with the directive to bless.
Matthew 23:33: [Ye] serpents, [ye] generation of vipers, how can ye escape the damnation of hell?
Contradiction with James 1:13
Luke 6:28 encourages prayer for those who mistreat, whereas James 1:13 states that God does not tempt anyone with evil, implying a contrast in the approach to handling evil actions or individuals.
James 1:13: Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: [evil: or, evils]
Contradiction with Deuteronomy 7:2
Luke 6:28 teaches to bless those who curse you, but Deuteronomy 7:2 commands the Israelites to completely destroy certain nations without mercy, which contradicts the notion of showing compassion or blessing.
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 139:21-22
Luke 6:28 tells to pray for those who mistreat you, while this Psalm openly declares hatred for those who are perceived as enemies of God, representing a stark contradiction in attitudes towards adversaries.
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?
Contradiction with Exodus 21:24
Luke 6:28 promotes blessing and prayer for aggressors, but Exodus 21:24 embodies "an eye for an eye" justice, advocating for equal retribution instead of forgiveness or blessing.
Exodus 21:24: Eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot,
Contradiction with Galatians 5:12
Luke 6:28 encourages forgiveness and prayer, whereas Galatians 5:12 has Paul expressing a harsh wish against those disturbing the Galatians, showing a sharp contrast in tone and approach to opposition.
Galatians 5:12: I would they were even cut off which trouble you.
Paradox #1
The possible contradiction in Luke 6:28 could be the challenge of reconciling the idea of loving and blessing one's enemies with other biblical passages that speak about justice or punishment for wrongdoing. Some might find it difficult to understand how to pray for those who mistreat us while also upholding justice. This may seem inconsistent to some, but others interpret it as a call to personal conduct rather than a statement about societal justice.
Paradox #2
The moral conflict could arise from the difficulty in genuinely responding with kindness to those who harm or curse you. While the verse advises showing love and compassion, human instincts often lean towards retaliation or defense, creating a tension between natural reactions and the advised moral conduct.