Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself

Read Leviticus 19 -- 21

Again we hear the Lord speaking to Moses: Speak unto all the congregation of the children of Israel (19:2). Discern how Almighty God set up a social order for His people that would make a perfect world to live in. It is overwhelming to realize what a wise God we serve! Have you counted how many times that God reminds us: I am the Lord (the Self-Existent Creator God) just in today's Bible reading? Hallelujah -- HE IS THE LORD!

The Law and all the ordinances were given the nation of Israel as a means of revealing to the world the wisdom and loving kindness of our Heavenly Father. I am the Lord your God. . . . Therefore shall ye observe all My statutes . . . and do them: I am the Lord. . . . Sanctify yourselves therefore, and be ye holy (19:36-37; 20:7).

The instructions against fraud, hatred, an unforgiving attitude, and immorality, are summed up in one Commandment: Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself (19:18). Other Commandments call for reverence for parents and the aged and compassion for the suffering and the weak. All these reveal the loving concern of the Creator God who cares for all His people.

Love in the heart of God is the source of everything that is good (see Genesis 1:10,12,18,21,25). God saw every thing that He had made, and, behold, it was very good (1:31). His character of loving kindness should be expressed through His people. We are the means that God has chosen to express His love to the world. By this shall all men know that ye are My disciples, if ye have love one to another (John 13:35).

Most of us, somewhere along the way, have at times thought: "How can I possibly love some people I know -- that rude egotist down at the office who deliberately puts me down, or that smooth liar who has deceived me, or that onetime friend who took advantage of my trust?" And the list continues.

Any pagan can say: "I will do good to the person who is good to me." It takes a Christian who, from his heart, seeks to manifest the nature of Christ his Savior who has forgiven his sins and loves those we consider "unloveable." It is of utmost importance that we sincerely express His love and compassion without exception.

Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another (Romans 12:10).

Thought for Today:

How different would the world be if we really loved others like we do ourselves?

Christ Revealed:

As the source of true guidance, in contrast to evil guidance (Leviticus 20:6-8). Jesus, who is The Truth (John 14:6) also sent us the Spirit of Truth who guides us into all truth (16:13).


Source: http://www.crosswalk.com/