![]() Phrases such as “good Samaritan” and “an eye for an eye” are found in the vocabulary of people who have yet to crack open a Bible, as do verses such as John 3:16. In similar fashion many biblically illiterate persons unknowingly quote from Leviticus 19:18 when they say, “love your neighbor as yourself.” In doing so they are also quoting Jesus as found in Matthew 22 and Mark 12. It would be great if these same people would open a Bible and learn more but for now at least they know that faith-foundational command. You would be hard-pressed to find anyone who would argue against love-your-neighbor’s value. Red, Blue, Conservative, Progressive, Muslim, Christian, Jew, and even your least liked person agree - even as they may dispute the definition and breadth of neighbor - that love is a good idea. Billy Graham, Mahatma Gandhi, and John Lennon proclaimed love’s importance. The songs of Aretha Franklin and Adele bring soul to it. In his tribute to trash, Oscar the Grouch affirms love. Over the past two weeks I have written on the subject of love from a biblical view. I will do so today as well. As I do, I aim to provide biblical counsel on love, specifically on love for neighbor. Recognizing the fact that people with such varying worldviews all exalt love, we need to seek clarity on what the words of God actually mean when He says, “love your neighbor as yourself.” In pursuit of such clarity, turn with me to the writings of Moses as found in Leviticus.
This book bears its name for it addresses the duties of the Levitical priests as well as those who followed their teachings, teachings derived from the Law of God as given to Moses. Because of its name and subject matter Bible readers often think of the book as an overarching list of requirements. In doing so they miss the richness of the Law’s purpose which was in great part, given to teach God’s people how to love Him and others. These verses are evidence of that fact. In them we will find specific ways through which we can love in both those ways. Before we look into those ways, look to the words of Paul which referred back to Leviticus.
Merrill Unger helps us understand Paul’s statement: “The whole law is summed up in love, not in the sense of rendering all other requirements nugatory, but in the sense that love is fundamental, and expresses the spirit of all others, and with enlightenment will lead to the observance of all others” (668-669). With Unger’s and Paul’s words in mind, let us return to Leviticus. Listen to the passage again.
We can see that love is more than feeling. It is action. Notice the actions of love. Actions of Love: 1. Generosity The words of verse nine and ten remind us of the Old Testament book of Ruth. In Ruth Boaz instructs his servants to leave grain for the young widow to glean. Ruth was Moabite; in other words, she was not Jewish. Love moved Boaz to provide for a foreigner who was also an impoverished woman.
2. Honesty
The verses call for honesty in finance, word, and business. You do not love your neighbor when you deceive them, steal from them, or break your word. Employers, notice the word for you here; don’t delay in paying your employees. 3. Kindness
Love... - cares for the disabled - does not make fun of differences Love... - practices justice
Love... - protects through word and deed 4. Rebuke You, after hearing that love practices generosity, honesty, and kindness may be taken aback by the statement that love rebukes. Nevertheless, as Scripture says...
Here the words of Rabbi J.H. Hertz help our understanding.
Through the strong words of Jesus spoken to James and John as a rebuke after they wanted fire and brimstone to consume their enemies, the Lord taught the aptly named “sons of thunder” humility and forgiveness. Both men went on to write books found in the New Testament, each of which calls for love and forgiveness toward others. Jesus rebuked His friends, and they were better for it. In addition to the actions of love, generosity, honesty, kindness, and rebuke is the action of... 5. Forgiveness
From these verses we learn that those who really love their neighbors forgive them. Seeking revenge is rooted in unforgiveness as is a borne grudge. While preaching His Sermon on the Mount Jesus again quoted from Leviticus 19:18.
Notice the quotation marks in verse 43. Jesus quoted Leviticus and also words that others added along the way, words that conveniently limited the breadth of their love expectations. “Hate your enemy” is not in Leviticus 19:18. As Andrew Wilson rightly claims, “You can’t love God without loving the one made in his image” (30). Everyone is made in His image. Jesus not only removes those words by rebuking them He also describes the intended breadth of love.
Do you find yourself wishing evil and/or holding grudges? For your enemies? For your former friends? If so, know that love forgives. Review the actions of love.
Actions of Love:
May we be those who commit to taking the actions of love! #ordinarylives For further reading … Unger, Merrill F. Unger’s Bible Dictionary. Chicago, IL: Moody Press, 1966. Wenham, Gordon J. The New International Commentary on the Old Testament: The Book of Leviticus. Grand Rapids, MI: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company. 1979. Wilson, Andrew. “Two Commandments for the Price of One.” Christianity Today. Dec. 2019.
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