Never seek revenge or bear a grudge against anyone, but love your neighbor as yourself. – Leviticus 19:18
As one of the two great commandments Jesus quoted from the Old Testament, this rule consists of five simple words that embody everything else: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” For New Testament believers, the Holy Spirit automatically teaches their hearts to do all that relates to this commandment. But for those who were under the Law, God had to spell out exactly how they should behave.
Leviticus 19 tells us that God instructed His people to be generous (vv. 9-10) and to leave something in the fields for the poor. He commanded them not to steal, lie, or deceive one another (vv. 11-13). He told them to respect the helpless (v. 14) and not to take advantage of them. He directed them to judge their neighbors fairly, not showing favoritism (v. 15). Finally, He told them not to slander, harbor hatred, or seek revenge (vv. 16-18). As simple as these commandments sound, they gave practical steps to the admonition to “love your neighbor.”
Love is the fulfilling of the Law and the highest of God’s commandments. In all your relationships, apply this “royal command” (James 2:8). God will bless you, and others will love you in return!
