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The command to “love your neighbor as yourself” dates back to God’s social justice laws given through Moses to the Israelites. As easy as it is to put our desires above everyone else’s, we must love others in the same way we love ourselves.
Leviticus 19:15-18 (NIV) “‘Do not pervert justice; do not show partiality to the poor or favoritism to the great, but judge your neighbor fairly. “‘Do not go about spreading slander among your people. “‘Do not do anything that endangers your neighbor’s life. I am the Lord. “‘Do not hate a fellow Israelite in your heart. Rebuke your neighbor frankly so you will not share in their guilt. “‘Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against anyone among your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord.”
The command to “love your neighbor as yourself” (v. 18) is the conclusive general statement at the end of a series of social justice commands in this chapter. If we consider the definition of justice s “making things right,” we can understand these commands as an expression of God’s love.
When someone sins against us, what is right in God’s eyes? According to this passage, it’s to “rebuke them frankly” while refusing to bear a grudge or seek revenge (vs.17-18) – basically giving up our right to get even. In other words it’s right to call sin what it is, and even take action to stop its continuance, while forgiving and loving the sinner just like God does for us.
In verse 18, the Hebrew word for “love” is ahab this word “implies an ardent and vehement inclination of the mind and a tenderness of affection at the same time.” Throughout the Old Testament, this word is used to express God’s tender mercies and unspeakable love for His people; to express affection in romantic human relationships and close ties of friendship; and in familial affection between parents and children, (“Lexical Aids to the Old Testament,” The Hebrew-Greek Key Word Study Bible, 1708).
Love isn’t passive or just thinking compassionate thoughts for others, it’s active, and requires action. Do you love others with just your thoughts or do you also love them by actively reaching out?
Let me leave you with this…
Romans 10:11-15 (NIV) As Scripture says, “Anyone who believes in him will never be put to shame.” For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”
Loving others is messy…