“ A paradox is a statement contrary to commonly accepted opinion.” (Dictionary) Thus an absurd or illogical statement.
The supreme example of a paradox is the teaching of Jesus and Paul on giving, for both of them taught that “To receive, we must give.” “Give and it shall be given unto you, good measure, shaken together, pressed down and running over” (Jesus, Luke 6:38). The logical way to receive is to get, but Jesus says we receive when we give. Please note that Jesus did not specify what to give, meaning that anything you give the same will be given back to you. The apostle Paul expanded on this teaching in 2 Cor. 9:6-11. In summary we find in these passages paradoxical truths about giving:
- When we give, we get back what we give. “Give and it shall be given unto you…”(Luke 6:38). Conversely, if we don’t give, we don’t get.
- We receive more than we give. “…good measure, pressed down” (Luke 6:38b).
- We receive much more than we give. “…running over” (Luke 6:38c).
- We also receive what we need (2 Cor. 9:8a).
- We receive more than we need personally (2 Cor. 9:8b NIV).
- We receive enough to give “generously on every occasion” (2 Cor. 9:11