Contradiction with Matthew 5:42
Romans 13:8 encourages mutual love as a debt, while Matthew 5:42 instructs to give and lend to those who ask, suggesting no regard for indebtedness.
Matthew 5:42: Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away.
Contradiction with Proverbs 22:7
Romans 13:8 promotes love over debt, yet Proverbs 22:7 highlights the power dynamics of lending, implying debt is a tool for control.
Proverbs 22:7: The rich ruleth over the poor, and the borrower [is] servant to the lender. [the lender: Heb. the man that lendeth]
Contradiction with Luke 6:35
Romans 13:8 focuses on fulfilling the debt of love, whereas Luke 6:35 suggests lending without expectation of return, which contradicts the notion of paying all debts.
Luke 6:35: But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and [to] the evil.
Contradiction with Deuteronomy 15:1-2
Romans 13:8 calls for continual love as a debt, but Deuteronomy 15:1-2 mandates periodic debt cancellation, implying a different approach to obligations.
Deuteronomy 15:1-2: At the end of [every] seven years thou shalt make a release.
Contradiction with Exodus 22:25
Romans 13:8 does not specifically address interest, yet Exodus 22:25 explicitly prohibits charging interest, indicating different perspectives on financial dealings.
Exodus 22:25: If thou lend money to [any of] my people [that is] poor by thee, thou shalt not be to him as an usurer, neither shalt thou lay upon him usury.
Paradox #1
Some people think there's a contradiction between the idea of loving others as a way to fulfill the law and other parts of the Bible that seem to focus more on detailed rules. This could be seen as inconsistent because it raises questions about whether following specific laws or focusing on love is more important.
Paradox #2
Romans 13:8 encourages loving one another as a fulfillment of the law. A moral conflict might arise when trying to reconcile this with situations where telling hard truths or setting boundaries—actions also considered moral—might not seem loving at first. There can be a tension between the principle of love and the need to address wrongdoing or maintain personal well-being.