Biblical Answer

Understanding the Commandment

The commandment to "love our neighbors as ourselves" (Matthew 22:39, Leviticus 19:18) is a fundamental teaching in Christianity. This commandment is rooted in the idea that human beings are created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27) and are therefore worthy of love and respect. As Augustine notes, we cannot love ourselves first and foremost and love God first and foremost (Matthew 22:37-40). Rather, we must be ordered toward love of God, which in turn enables us to love ourselves properly and our neighbors as ourselves.

The Relationship between Loving God and Loving Neighbors

The biblical revelation emphasizes that loving God and loving neighbors are intimately connected. If we do not love God, we cannot love our neighbors as ourselves (Matthew 22:37-40). This is because our love for God is the foundation of our love for others. When we love God, we are motivated to love and serve others, just as we would want to be loved and served ourselves. This is reflected in the Great Commandment, which commands us to love God with all our hearts, souls, and minds, and to love our neighbors as ourselves (Matthew 22:37-40).

Practical Implications in a World of Division and Chaos

In a world of division and chaos, where our actions have global consequences, loving our neighbors as ourselves takes on a profound significance. It requires us to be mindful of the impact of our actions on others and to strive for reconciliation and restoration in our relationships. As the Bible teaches, we are to "be reconciled to one another" (Matthew 5:24) and to "make restitution and satisfaction" for any wrongs we may have done to others (Leviticus 19:18). By loving our neighbors as ourselves, we can help to create a more just and compassionate world, even in the midst of division and chaos. This requires a deep commitment to living out our faith in practical ways, and to seeking to understand and obey God's commands in our daily lives.