Contradictions and Paradoxes in Matthew 5:46

Check out Contradictions Catalog of Matthew 5:46 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts Matthew 5:46. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to Matthew, Jesus is saying that if you only love people who already love you back, there’s nothing special about that because even people who don’t try hard to be nice do the same thing. Jesus wants you to love everyone, even those who might not be nice to you, because that's how you grow in kindness and love.

Matthew 5:46: For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same?

Contradiction with Luke 6:32

This verse, similar to Matthew 5:46, suggests that loving only those who love you does not bring any special commendation, emphasizing the same point rather than contradicting it.

Luke 6:32: For if ye love them which love you, what thank have ye? for sinners also love those that love them.

Contradiction with Romans 12:9

This verse encourages sincere love rather than superficial love based on reciprocation, aligning with the teaching in Matthew 5:46.

Romans 12:9: [Let] love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.

Contradiction with 1 John 4:8

This verse asserts that knowing God equates to showing love, reinforcing the broader context of love rather than contradicting Matthew 5:46.

1 John 4:8: He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.

Contradiction with James 2:8

This verse speaks about the royal law to love your neighbor, which aligns with the teachings in Matthew 5:46 about loving those beyond just those who love you.

James 2:8: If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well:

Contradiction with Proverbs 25:21-22

These verses advise showing kindness to enemies, which aligns with the teaching in Matthew 5:46 to love beyond those who love us.

Proverbs 25:21-22: If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink:

Paradox #1

The contradiction or conflict in Matthew 5:46 might be that it challenges the common notion of only loving those who love us back. It could be seen as inconsistent with natural human tendencies to prioritize mutual, reciprocated relationships, asking for love beyond our immediate circle, which might feel difficult or impractical for many people.

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