Moral Dilemmas:

Moral dilemmas are situations in which individuals face conflicting ethical choices, where adhering to one moral principle may result in transgressing another. The Bible provides numerous examples and teachings that illuminate the nature of moral dilemmas and offer guidance for navigating them.

One prominent biblical example of a moral dilemma is found in the account of Abraham and Isaac (Genesis 22:1-19). God commands Abraham to sacrifice his son Isaac, presenting a conflict between Abraham's duty to obey God and his paternal love and duty to protect his son. Abraham's willingness to obey God, even in this extreme situation, is seen as a testament to his faith and trust in God's ultimate plan.

Another example is the Hebrew midwives in Egypt, Shiphrah and Puah, who faced a moral dilemma when Pharaoh ordered them to kill all newborn Hebrew boys (Exodus 1:15-21). They chose to disobey Pharaoh's command, fearing God more than the king, and allowed the boys to live. Their decision highlights the biblical principle of prioritizing God's moral law over human edicts when the two are in conflict.

The New Testament also addresses moral dilemmas, such as when the apostles were commanded by the Sanhedrin to stop teaching in the name of Jesus. Peter and the other apostles responded, "We must obey God rather than men" (Acts 5:29). This underscores the principle that allegiance to God's commands takes precedence over human authority when the two are at odds.

Conscience:

The concept of conscience is integral to understanding how individuals discern right from wrong in the face of moral dilemmas. The Bible speaks to the role of conscience as an inner guide that bears witness to God's moral law written on the heart.

In Romans 2:14-15, Paul explains that even Gentiles, who do not have the Law, demonstrate the work of the Law written in their hearts, with their consciences bearing witness. This suggests that conscience is a universal aspect of human nature, reflecting God's moral order.

Paul also addresses the importance of maintaining a clear conscience before God and others. In Acts 24:16, he states, "In this hope, I strive always to maintain a clear conscience before God and man" . A clear conscience is associated with living in accordance with God's will and being free from guilt or moral compromise.

The Bible warns against the danger of a seared or corrupted conscience. In 1 Timothy 4:1-2, Paul speaks of those whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron, indicating a state of moral insensitivity resulting from persistent sin. This highlights the importance of nurturing and protecting one's conscience through adherence to biblical teachings and repentance.

In navigating moral dilemmas, the Bible encourages believers to seek wisdom from God, who gives generously to all without finding fault (James 1:5). Prayer, meditation on Scripture, and the counsel of mature believers are vital resources for aligning one's conscience with God's will and making righteous decisions in complex situations.