Biblical Answer

Understanding the Commandment

The commandment to "love our neighbors as ourselves" is often misunderstood. We might think it means feeling fond of our neighbors or finding them attractive. However, this is not the case. Loving our neighbors as ourselves means treating them with the same kindness, compassion, and respect that we would want for ourselves. This requires us to put their needs before our own and be aware of their struggles and challenges.

The Source of Love

The biblical revelation reminds us that human beings are not self-explanatory. We derive our meaning from outside ourselves, from God in whose image we are made. Therefore, loving our neighbors as ourselves is not about manufacturing affectionate feelings, but about being connected to the needs of others. This means orienting our attention towards them, rather than ourselves, and being aware of their struggles and challenges. Our love for our neighbors flows out of our love for God Himself, and it includes demonstrating love to unbelievers, even those who treat us with antagonism and enmity.

Practical Application

So, how do we put this commandment into practice in a chaotic world filled with noise and distractions? We do not waste time bothering whether we love our neighbors; we act as if we did. When we behave as if we love our neighbors, we find one of the great secrets: that loving our neighbors is not just about feeling good, but about being connected to their needs and struggles. This requires us to put their needs before our own, to be aware of their challenges, and to demonstrate love to them, even when it's difficult. By doing so, we shine like a bright light in a dark world, and we demonstrate the love of God to those around us.