Ill feelings toward others affect how you see yourself (19:17-18a). Pointing to wrong in someone should be done with humility, kindness, and concern. That is legitimate, but bearing a grudge and showing harshness toward others goes against all that pleases God. The proper approach is to show the holy character God gives you in the way you treat others (19:18b). My working definition of love is “Desiring and working for the best interests of yourself, others, and God.”
Jesus showed this kind of love on the cross. “I am the LORD” appears fifteen times in chapter 19, so clearly, He defines love in relation to Himself.
Two questions arise from verse 18. How can my feelings toward others show I do not love myself (negative approach)?
How can love for myself show itself through love for others (positive approach)? New Testament quotations of Leviticus 19:18 illustrate Christian answers to these questions. Is love of my choosing or through my sonship? Jesus commanded incorporating the character of God (Matthew 5:43-48). Negative: “For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? (46). Positive: We should be just as comprehensive in love for others as God is (48).
Am I trapped in materialism or rich in Christ (Matthew 19:16-22)? Do I tightly grasp riches (22), or follow Christ (21)? Do I know and follow God’s commandments, or test God to justify my own view of love (Matthew 22:34-40; Mark 12:28-34)?
Do I love God by helping others, or play games with my religion (Luke 10:25-37)? Is my faith a word game (29), or do I really want to have eternal life (28)? Jesus responds in verse 37.
Loving others is a debt never paid off (Romans 13:8-10).
Acting in a less than loving way harms a relationship (10), but a loving person should “Owe nothing to anyone except to love one another” (8). Freedom in Christ reaches out toward others (Galatians 5:13-15). Thus, we should “through love serve one another” (13). You harm yourself and others when you act from wrong motives (15).
Worship takes seriously Jesus’ teaching about how you treat others (James 2:8-13). If you favor those you think can benefit you, that is sin (9). If you act in mercy, then you win (13).
By reflecting on these New Testament passages, surely Christ’s love in you will bear much fruit – if His love resides in you.
Dr. David Moore can be contacted at dm5867se@outlook.com
