The question of whether the Bible contradicts itself has been a topic of debate among scholars, theologians, and lay readers. Many people think that some verses are inconsistent because they seem to say different things, but what do you think? Do factors like timing count when giving meaning to the Scriptures?
Let us examine this issue, considering specific examples and interpreting them within their contexts. You can determine for yourself at the end whether the Bible indeed contradicts itself or if the perceived contradictions can be reconciled.
First Example:
1 John 2:11 (NIV) But anyone who hates a brother or sister is in the darkness and walks around in the darkness. They do not know where they are going, because the darkness has blinded them.
Luke 14:26 (NIV) If anyone comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even their own life—such a person cannot be my disciple.
READ ALSO: JUNGLE JUSTICE
THE MEANING:
Generally, we are admonished to love our brothers, and the Lord Jesus even emphasized our loving those who hate us. [Transliteration: miseō, Phonetic: mis-eh’-o, to hate, pursue with hatred, detest.]
Leviticus 19:17 (AMP) ‘You shall not hate your brother in your heart; you may most certainly rebuke your neighbor, but shall not incur sin because of him.
Matthew 5:43-44 (NIV) “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,
The Lord requires disciples to “hate” their closest family members and even themselves, meaning that devotion to Him supersedes all other affections. He teaches that a disciple’s loyalty to Him should outweigh their love for family and their own life.
Just like a soldier, this means that the disciple has to obey the Lord over any normal love he can show to his parents, spouse, siblings, children, or himself. Due to obeying the Lord, the disciple will have to do things at times that go against a loved one’s desire for them and even their own desires.
This will appear like hatred.
Such is the standard that the Lord demands from those who intend to follow the same route He took to glory.
READ NEXT: BIBLE CONTRADICTIONS (PART 2)
How can Christian spouses balance sexual intimacy and intimacy with God? Get enlightened in this episode.
