Biblical Answer

To love our neighbors as ourselves in a world of division and chaos, we must first understand the biblical revelation that human beings are not self-explanatory. They derive their meaning from outside themselves, from God in whose image they are made. This means that our love for our neighbors is not a product of our own autonomous individuality, but rather a reflection of our love for God. As Augustine so eloquently put it, "We cannot both love ourselves first and foremost and love God first and foremost." In other words, our love for ourselves is properly ordered when it is secondary to our love for God.

When we love our neighbors as ourselves, we are not just keeping the law, but actively demonstrating love to those around us. This love is not just a feeling, but a choice that we make every day. It is a choice to put the needs of others before our own, to seek their good and well-being, and to show them kindness and compassion. As Jesus taught, "Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father in heaven" (Matthew 5:44). This is not just a command to be nice to our enemies, but a call to love them in the same way that we love ourselves, and to seek their good and well-being.

In a world of division and chaos, loving our neighbors as ourselves is more important than ever. It means being a source of hope and light in a dark world, shining like a beacon of love and righteousness. It means being willing to share our knowledge of Christ with those around us, and to seek their good and well-being. As the Bible says, "All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments: Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind... and Love your neighbor as yourself" (Matthew 22:37-40). This is not just a command to love our neighbors, but a call to live a life that reflects the love and character of God.