Practical Application of Loving Neighbors as Ourselves
The command to "love your neighbor as yourself" is a cornerstone of biblical ethics, appearing in both the Old and New Testaments [9]. Jesus identifies it as the second great commandment, following the command to love God, stating, "A second likewise is this, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself’" (Matthew 22:39) [1]. This precept is originally found in Leviticus 19:18 [2, 9].
The practical application of this command extends beyond those who are ethnically or religiously similar to oneself. While the Israelites in a later age sometimes restricted the meaning of "neighbor" to their own countrymen, Jesus refuted this narrow interpretation, notably through the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:30-37) [6, 9]. John Gill notes that "neighbor" refers to "any man whatever, to whom affection should be shown, and good should be done to him, and for him, as a man would have done to himself" [3]. This inclusive understanding is also supported by Leviticus 19:34, which explicitly includes foreigners [9].
Loving one's neighbor as oneself means actively seeking their good and edification [4]. It implies a commitment to not cause harm to others, as "love worketh no ill to his neighbour" (Romans 13:10) [8]. John Chrysostom emphasizes that "from Love good works proceed" and that "nothing is good which is not done through love" [5]. This love is not merely an emotion but a principle that guides actions and relationships, fostering mutual consideration and imitation of virtuous conduct [5].
The New Testament further develops this concept by presenting Christ's love as the ultimate model. Jesus himself stated, "A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you" (John 13:34). Adam Clarke explains that this commandment is "new" because Christ not only loved his neighbor as himself but more than himself, laying down his life for humanity. Therefore, disciples are called to imitate this sacrificial love [7]. The Apostle Paul reiterates the importance of this command, stating that "love is the fulfilling of the law" (Romans 13:10) [5].
Sources
- Matthew “A second likewise is this, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ -- Matthew 22:39”
- Matthew (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Matthew 22:39: 22:39 Love your neighbor as yourself: Lev 19:18; see also Rom 13:9; Gal 5:6, 14; Jas 2:8.”
- Mark (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Mark 12:29: And the second is like,.... "Unto it", as in Mat 22:39 and so it is read here in two ancient copies of Beza's, and in the Vulgate Latin, Syriac, Arabic, Persic, and Ethiopic versions; namely this, thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. This commandment stands in Lev 19:18 and respects not an Israelite only, or one of the same religion with a man's self, or his intimate friend and acquaintance, or one that lives in the same neighbourhood; but any man whatever, to whom affection should be shown, and good should be done to him, and for him, as a man would have done t”
- Romans (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Romans 15:2: Let every one of us--lay himself out to please his neighbour--not indeed for his mere gratification, but for his good--with a view to his edification.”
- CCEL/NPNF (Eastern Orthodox) “John Chrysostom, Homilies on John & Hebrews: consider one another to provoke unto love.” What is, “let us consider one another”? For instance if any be virtuous, let us imitate him, let us look on him so as to love and to be loved. For from Love good works proceed. For the assembling is a great good: since it makes love more warm; and out of love all good things arise. For nothing is good which is not done through love. [4.] This then let us “confirm” 3159 3159 See 2 Cor. ii. 8 towards each other. “For love is the fulfilling of the law.” ( Rom. xiii. 10 .) We have no need of labors or of sweat”
- Leviticus (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Leviticus 19:18: thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself--The word "neighbour" is used as synonymous with "fellow creature." The Israelites in a later age restricted its meaning as applicable only to their own countrymen. This narrow interpretation was refuted by our Lord in a beautiful parable (Luk 10:30-37).”
- John (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on John 13:34: A new commandment I give unto you - In what sense are we to understand that this was a new commandment? Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself, was a positive precept of the law, Lev 19:18, and it is the very same that Christ repeats here; how then was it new? Our Lord answers this question, Even As I have loved you. Now Christ more than fulfilled the Mosaic precept; he not only loved his neighbor As himself, but he loved him More than himself, for he laid down his life for men. In this he calls upon the disciples to imitate him; to be ready on all occasions to lay ”
- Romans (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Romans 13:10: Love worketh no ill to his--or, "one's" neighbour; therefore, &c.--As love, from its very nature, studies and delights to please its objects, its very existence is an effectual security against our wilfully injuring him. Next follow some general motives to the faithful discharge of all these duties.”
- Leviticus (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Leviticus 19:18: 19:18 love your neighbor as yourself: This is the cornerstone for biblical ethics in both the Old Testament and the New Testament (see Matt 22:39; Mark 12:31; Luke 10:27; Rom 13:8-9; Gal 5:14; Jas 2:8). It includes foreigners (Lev 19:34; cp. Luke 10:30-37). Conversely, hate leads to a grudge that can bear violent fruit (see 1 Jn 2:10-11; 4:20).”