Biblical Answer

The Command to Love Our Neighbor

The Bible teaches that we should love our neighbors as ourselves (Leviticus 19:18, Matthew 22:39). This command is rooted in our love for God, as Jesus taught in Matthew 22:37-40. If we do not love God, we cannot love our neighbors as ourselves. Our love for God is the foundation for our love for others.

The Meaning of Loving Our Neighbor

So, what does it mean to love our neighbor as ourselves? This question is not easily answered, as it requires a deep understanding of who we are and how we relate to God and others. Augustine taught that we cannot both love ourselves first and foremost and love God first and foremost. We can only love ourselves properly when we love God first. Loving our neighbor as ourselves means that we love them with the same love and compassion that we have for ourselves. This means being willing to make restitution and satisfaction for any wrongs we have done to others, and being ready to reconcile ourselves to them.

The Implications of Loving Our Neighbor

When we love our neighbor as ourselves, we shine like a bright light in a dark world (Matthew 5:12-16). This love is not just a feeling, but a choice we make to obey God's command. It requires us to look beyond our own needs and desires, and to consider the needs and well-being of others. As we learn to love God, we learn to love ourselves and others in a deeper and more meaningful way. This love is not just a moral principle, but a way of life that reflects our relationship with God and our commitment to following His commandments. In a world of division and chaos, loving our neighbor as ourselves is a powerful witness to the love and compassion of God. It requires us to be willing to make sacrifices and to put the needs of others before our own, but it is a choice that brings joy and fulfillment to our lives and to the lives of those around us.