Biblical Answer

Understanding the Commandment to Love Our Neighbor

The commandment to love our neighbor as ourselves is not about manufacturing affectionate feelings or loving our neighbor in a way that is above and beyond ourselves. Rather, it means displaying a set of behaviors that treat others with kindness, respect, and compassion. As C.S. Lewis notes, "Do not waste time bothering whether you love your neighbor; act as if you did." This means that we should treat others in the same way that we would want to be treated ourselves, which is another way of saying love your neighbor as yourself.

The Importance of Loving Our Neighbor

The biblical revelation reminds us that human beings derive their meaning from outside themselves, from God in whose image they are made. We are not autonomous individuals, creating ourselves constantly, but rather we are dependent on God and on one another for our meaning and purpose. As such, loving our neighbor is not just about doing good things for others, but about recognizing that our very existence is connected to theirs. By loving our neighbor, we are not just loving them, but also ourselves, because we are all created in the image of God.

Practicing Love in Modern Parenting

In modern parenting, loving our neighbor as ourselves means displaying behaviors that treat others with kindness, respect, and compassion. This can be as simple as being a supportive wife, being a good neighbor, or volunteering in our community. As parents, we can model this behavior for our children by showing them what it means to love and serve others. By doing so, we can help them develop a sense of empathy and compassion for others, and teach them that loving our neighbor is not just a commandment, but a way of living that brings joy and fulfillment to ourselves and others.