Devotion:
Read Leviticus 19:16-18.
Today’s passage comes in a chapter on various laws dealing with how to get along with others. It forbids slandering others, subjecting others to life-threatening danger, seeking revenge, or bearing a grudge. Interestingly, verse 17 admonishes us to rebuke our neighbor who has done something wrong and to do that frankly so that we do not share in their guilt. All of these instructions point to a life lived in relationship with others, relationships in which we genuinely care for others and for their well-being. All of these things are summarized in verse 18 in the command to “love your neighbor as yourself.” Jesus pointed to this commandment as part of the greatest of all the commandments, and we will explore that later in the week.
Most of us do not have to be admonished to love ourselves, as loving ourselves just seems to come naturally. In fact, we have to be taught sometimes not to love ourselves too much or too selfishly. Here, God is commanding us to love all of those with whom we come into contact as much as we love ourselves. If we can do that, we no longer have to focus on rules and laws, because that love will correctly guide our actions.
Personal Worship Option:
Almighty God, forgive me when I do not love my neighbor as I love myself. And forgive me for deciding whom I will see as a neighbor and therefore deserving of my love and care. Help me to be more like your Son, who taught us the real extent of this commandment. Amen!
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