“You shall not take vengeance, nor bear any grudge against the sons of your people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself; I am the Lord.” – Leviticus 19:18
When Jesus said to love your neighbor as yourself, He wasn’t promoting self-care culture. He was pointing to something we naturally do—we take care of ourselves. When you’re hungry, you find food. When you’re thirsty, you get something to drink. When you’re sick, you seek help. Jesus is saying: do that for your neighbor too. If your neighbor needs food, provide it. If someone across the globe needs clean water, help them get it. If someone is sick and can’t get help, be that help. Love asks the question: “What is best for you?” not “What’s best for me?”
This kind of love isn’t primarily a feeling—it’s a decision to sacrifice, serve, and spend intentional time seeking someone else’s advantage. In our feelings-obsessed culture we’ve confused love with emotion or physical attraction. But biblical love is about laying yourself down for another’s benefit. And here’s the key: when you’re asking “What’s best for you?” make sure your answer aligns with God’s Word. True love for your neighbor means wanting God’s best for them, which is always found in His truth. This is love that gives itself away, whether it feels convenient or not.
Reflect:
- Who is a neighbor (near or far) that God is calling you to love more intentionally right now?
- In what ways have you been seeking your own advantage rather than asking “What’s best for you?” in your relationships?
- Ask God to show you one specific person He wants you to love this week, and pray for wisdom to know what’s truly best for them according to His Word.
