“Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ Matthew 22:36-40 (NIV)
In the Old Testament, worship and devotion to God was carried out in a sacrificial system that provided for the forgiveness of sins. The birth, life, and death of Christ recorded in New Testament scripture called for a dramatic shift in thinking. The focus of Christianity became less about conventional formality and more about practical application for living a faith-based life as Christ’s death fulfilled the sacrificial atonement for personal sins.
Since many continued to view religion in ritualistic terms, Jesus often encountered scrutiny from devout men of the law. “On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. “Teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?” “What is written in the Law?” he replied. “How do you read it?” He answered, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” “You have answered correctly,” Jesus replied. “Do this and you will live.” But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” Luke 10:25-29 (NIV)
And who exactly is my neighbor?
Scripture doesn’t go on to explain why the law expert asked for clarification except that he wanted to justify himself; he wanted to show why his interpretation was right. Are our motives today far from the religious authority of that time? Do we sometimes attempt to narrow the scope of His Word to justify our own actions? I read over the verse again.
‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ Reading the verse in it’s entirety leaves no room for doubt. We are directed to love our neighbor, those we come in contact with, in the same manner in which we would love and care for ourselves. This principle, commonly referred to as the Golden Rule, is one of the oldest concepts known to man and is the basis for the ethical foundation of our society. “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.” Matthew 7:12 (NIV)
God wishes are clear. We are asked to love one another in a way that expresses His goodness and mercy.
Love your neighbor as yourself and if necessary, use words!
