“Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against a fellow Israelite, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD.” Leviticus 19:18
If you were to spend a day observing in your local small claims court or watching the latest episode of Judge Judy, you would soon understand, if you didn’t already, that many neighbors do not get along. We all know that neighbors can make or break a good and peaceful place of residence.
The book of Leviticus lays out hundreds and hundreds of laws to guide the people of Israel. Today’s verse “love your neighbor as yourself” is reiterated by Jesus in the New Testament. In fact, Jesus describes it as the second-greatest law, the first being, “Love the LORD your God with all your heart.”
In Leviticus the law is expounded to include not only to love your neighbor but also do not seek revenge or even bear a grudge. When we are wronged by someone, our human nature provokes us to hate, want vengeance, and hold a grudge. God knows His creation so well. He understands that these responses do more harm to the one holding them, than to the one who is their object.
In the story of the Good Samaritan, Jesus explains who our neighbor is and what love looks like. Our neighbor includes those living next door but extends to anyone we meet. We show love through acts of kindness. Grudges and revenge must be buried in God’s love for us. We love because He first loved us.
Personal reflection: Do you find it difficult to love your neighbor? Only God’s love can make it possible.