Biblical Answer

What did Jesus mean when he said 'Love your neighbor as yourself'?

The command to love your neighbor as yourself is rooted in the Old Testament, specifically in Leviticus 19:18. Jesus quotes this command in Matthew 22:39 and Mark 12:31, emphasizing its importance as a fundamental principle of the Law and the Prophets. This command is not limited to loving one's fellow Israelites, but includes loving one's enemies and those who treat us with antagonism and enmity (Matthew 5:38-42).

The love Jesus speaks of is not a self-centered orientation, but rather a selfless love that requires overcoming a basically self-centered orientation. This love is demonstrated by actively planning and acting for the welfare of others, as seen in Jesus' teachings on the Golden Rule (Matthew 7:12) and the importance of demonstrating love to unbelievers (1 John 3:17-18). The love for one's neighbor flows out of a love for God Himself (Mark 12:30-31), and is a key aspect of the double-love command (Matthew 22:37-40).

Jesus' teaching on loving one's neighbor as oneself is not just a moral principle, but a kingdom value that emphasizes reconciliation and the importance of treating others as we would want to be treated (Matthew 7:12). This love is not limited to those who are easy to love, but includes those who are difficult to love, such as enemies and those who treat us with antagonism and enmity (Matthew 5:38-42). By loving our neighbors as ourselves, we demonstrate our love for God and fulfill the second of the two greatest commandments.