Leviticus 19:18
Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself: I am the LORD.
Leviticus 19:18
This summative command—love your neighbor as yourself—appears in a suite of ethical instructions. It reframes social conduct around relational affection caused by God’s own love for the community. The directive restricts vengeance and grudges, inviting a posture of forgiveness, mercy, and neighborly care.
Loving one’s neighbor as oneself is central to biblical ethics. It mirrors Jesus’ greatest command and reveals God’s heart for reconciliation, mercy, and social harmony. The shading of personal grievance toward communal love embodies the gospel’s transformative power.
- Let go of grudges; pursue reconciliation and forgiveness.
- Practice neighbor-love in practical ways: check in on someone, share resources, and support neighbors in need.
- When you feel slighted, choose practical acts of generosity instead of retaliation.
Cross-References: Matthew 22:39; Romans 12:17-21; 1 Thessalonians 5:15