Leviticus 19:18 (ERV)
Forget about the wrong things people do to you. Don’t try to get even. Love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord.
We are reminded of the moment when an expert in the law tried to test Jesus by asking Him which commandment was the greatest. Jesus responded, in essence, with the instruction to love God and to love your neighbor. It is important to remember that this teaching was not a new concept introduced by Jesus; rather, it was rooted in the original instructions given to the Jewish people. As highlighted in today’s scripture, this command was first established in the book of Leviticus and reiterated in Deuteronomy. In quoting these scriptures, Jesus was affirming the enduring truth found in the Jewish law.
This commandment is not merely a rule for behavior but reflects the very essence of how God calls us to live. It is, in fact, the foundation of our created purpose. When we choose to love our neighbors, pray for our enemies, and serve others, we are embracing the life that God designed for us. Through these actions, we open ourselves to the peace and joy promised in scripture, experiencing true communion with all that God has made.
Forget about the wrong things people do to you. Don’t try to get even. Love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord.
We are reminded of the moment when an expert in the law tried to test Jesus by asking Him which commandment was the greatest. Jesus responded, in essence, with the instruction to love God and to love your neighbor. It is important to remember that this teaching was not a new concept introduced by Jesus; rather, it was rooted in the original instructions given to the Jewish people. As highlighted in today’s scripture, this command was first established in the book of Leviticus and reiterated in Deuteronomy. In quoting these scriptures, Jesus was affirming the enduring truth found in the Jewish law.
This commandment is not merely a rule for behavior but reflects the very essence of how God calls us to live. It is, in fact, the foundation of our created purpose. When we choose to love our neighbors, pray for our enemies, and serve others, we are embracing the life that God designed for us. Through these actions, we open ourselves to the peace and joy promised in scripture, experiencing true communion with all that God has made.
