Dictionary of Bible Themes: 5811 compromise

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5811 compromise

Dictionary of Bible Themes

Dictionary of Bible Themes » 5000 Humanity » 5760 Human attitudes and behaviour » 5811 compromise

Usually a combination of contrasting values, practices or persons incurring God's disapproval, but it can also be a positive way to achieve a greater good.

God forbids compromising associations

Israel was not to associate with paganism

Exodus 20:3 pp Deuteronomy 5:7 See also Exodus 23:32-33; Exodus 34:12-16; Deuteronomy 7:2-4; 1 Kings 18:21

Christians must not compromise their allegiance

Israel's compromises with paganism

In worship

1 Kings 12:28-30 The LORD's action in bringing Israel up out of Egypt is here attributed to the golden calves representing Baal. See also Exodus 32:2-6; Judges 2:11-12; Judges 8:27; 2 Kings 1:2-3; Kings 16:10-16; Kings 17:32-33,41; 2 Chronicles 28:22; Revelation 2:20-23

In foreign alliances

Isaiah 30:1-2 See also 2 Chronicles 19:2; 2 C 35-37; 2 C 16-21; Isaiah 31:1; Hosea 5:13; Hosea 7:8-9,11

In marriage

1 Kings 11:1-11 See also 1 Kings 16:31; 2 Chronicles 18:1; Ezra 9:2; Nehemiah 13:23,25-26

Motives for compromise

Fear

Genesis 26:7-9 See also Genesis 12:11-13,18-19; Genesis 19:18-20; Genesis 20:2,11; Galatians 2:12-13

Lack of faith

Genesis 16:1-2 See also Genesis 15:2-3; 1 Kings 12:26-33

Desire for material things

Joshua 7:21 See also Haggai 1:2-4; Matthew 13:22 pp Mark 4:18-19 pp Luke 8:14; Acts 5:1-4; 2 Timothy 4:10

Examples of those who refused to compromise

Compromise as a mutually acceptable solution

For the sake of the gospel

1 Corinthians 9:19-23 See also Acts 15:19-20,28-29; Acts 21:20-26; Romans 14:19-22; Romans 15:1-2

As an act of wisdom

1 Kings 3:24-25; Kings 12:6-7 pp 2 Chronicles 10:6-7; Jeremiah 40:9-10

As a means to peace

Genesis 13:8-9; Genesis 26:19-22; Genesis 37:26-27; Proverbs 25:8; Matthew 5:25 pp Luke 12:58