Seventh Day Baptist
Christian Education Council
PO BOX 1678
Janesville, WI 53547
—Leviticus 19:13-18
by: Kristin Camenga.
In this practical list of “dos and don’ts”, the command to love our neighbors as ourselves is contrasted with seeking revenge or bearing a grudge (v.18). The statement, “I am the Lord,” is given as a reason for obeying this command—and appears more than forty times in Leviticus. The first time we see it, it is followed by the admonition “consecrate yourselves and be holy, because I am holy” (Leviticus 11:44, NIV). If we love God with our hearts, souls, and minds (Matthew 22:37), we will desire to be holy and to love our neighbors as well. What in this list of commands is challenging you today? Ask God to deepen your love for Him and help you obey.