Biblical Answer

What did Jesus mean by 'love your neighbor as yourself'?

Jesus explained what it means to love one's neighbor as oneself in the context of the good Samaritan parable. In essence, loving one's neighbor as oneself means demonstrating love and care for those around us, especially those in need. This love is not limited to our family, friends, or community, but extends to all people, including those we may not know personally or those who may be different from us.

The Bible teaches that loving one's neighbor as oneself is a fundamental commandment that flows from our love for God. When we love God with all our hearts, souls, and minds, we are enabled to love our neighbors as ourselves (Mark 12:30-31). This love is not a feeling or an emotion, but a deliberate choice to act with kindness, compassion, and generosity towards others. It includes demonstrating love to unbelievers, even those who treat us with antagonism and enmity (Matthew 5:38-42).

The concept of loving one's neighbor as oneself is not just about feeling good or being nice to others, but about living out our faith in a practical way. It involves treating others with dignity and respect, even when it's difficult or uncomfortable. As the apostle John wrote, "This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters" (1 John 3:16). Loving one's neighbor as oneself is a call to selflessness, sacrifice, and service, and it's a fundamental aspect of living a life that reflects the values of the kingdom of God.