Verse of the Day: Leviticus 19:18
Verse of the Day
Thursday, June 26, 2025
Leviticus 19:18
You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against any of your people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the LORD.
Introduction
This verse is part of a larger collection known as the Holiness Code (Leviticus 17–26), where God calls the people of Israel to mirror His holiness in their everyday lives. Far from being mere ritual instruction, Leviticus 19 balances moral conduct with sacred devotion. This command to “love your neighbor as yourself” transcends time and culture and is later quoted directly by Jesus in Matthew 22:39 and Mark 12:31, where He names it the second greatest commandment—second only to loving God.
In both Jewish and Christian traditions, this verse is a cornerstone of ethical behavior, drawing a direct link between love of God and love of others.
Commentary
“You shall not take vengeance…”
The term vengeance implies retaliatory justice—responding to personal injury or insult with harm. God’s people are called to relinquish personal retribution, trusting divine justice instead.
“…or bear a grudge against any of your people…”
The Hebrew verb here suggests keeping anger alive over time. Grudges fester and poison relationships, contrary to the community God desires. This line prohibits both overt revenge and internalized resentment.
“…but you shall love your neighbor as yourself…”
This phrase shifts from what not to do toward a powerful positive ethic. Love here (Hebrew: ahav) implies active goodwill, care, and solidarity. Neighbor in this context likely referred to fellow Israelites, but Jesus later broadens the meaning to include all people (see Luke 10:25–37, the Parable of the Good Samaritan). The phrase as yourself calls for empathy—the ability to imagine the needs, feelings, and rights of another as if they were one’s own.
“I am the Lord.”
This signature phrase grounds the command in divine authority. It reminds the hearer that the command reflects God’s own character—just, merciful, and holy. To obey is to imitate God.
Understanding the Context
Leviticus 19 is part of the Holiness Code, a section of Leviticus concerned with setting Israel apart as a holy nation. The chapter covers diverse laws—about worship, justice, agriculture, and personal conduct—all under the banner of reflecting God’s holiness: “You shall be holy, for I the Lord your God am holy” (Lev. 19:2).
This verse is nestled in a cluster of ethical laws promoting community harmony, protection of the vulnerable, and the building of trust among “your people.” In ancient Israel, neighbor referred primarily to members of one’s tribe or nation. Still, the same chapter later calls for love even toward the stranger (Lev. 19:34), showing a growing moral vision of inclusivity.
The covenantal ethic demanded more than ritual purity—it called for radical integrity in how people related to one another because they belonged to God.
Application for Today
In today’s world, personal revenge and long-held grudges still corrode relationships and communities. Whether through social media feuds, workplace resentments, or family disputes, the temptation to return harm for harm or to hold bitterness is strong. Yet this command cuts through the noise and tells us plainly: Don’t retaliate. Don’t cling to resentment. Love instead.
To love our neighbor as ourselves means:
Letting go of the impulse to “get even.”
Seeking reconciliation rather than proving a point.
Listening with compassion even when we feel wronged.
Refusing to speak ill of someone behind their back just because they hurt us.
In a culture that often prizes self-interest and grudges, this command is countercultural. But it is also deeply healing—for individuals, families, churches, and society.
Real-life scenario:
Imagine being wronged by a co-worker who took credit for your idea. Rather than gossiping or retaliating in kind, you calmly clarify the truth and continue to treat them with respect. That choice not only diffuses tension but models godly integrity.
Reflection
This verse asks a difficult but holy question: Are you willing to surrender your right to “pay back” in favor of the higher calling to love?
Loving one’s neighbor is not passive—it requires daily, deliberate action. It calls us to examine how we speak, how we judge others in our hearts, and how we forgive. Holding a grudge might feel like power, but it’s actually a burden that hinders spiritual growth. True freedom comes when we love with the same mercy we hope to receive.
Personal meditation question:
Who in your life do you struggle to love as yourself—and what would it look like to love them anyway?
Encouragement:
When we live this commandment, we bear the likeness of the One who first loved us. It’s not always easy—but it is always holy.
The Bible texts are from the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) Bible, copyright © 1989, 1993 the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Verse of the Day is a daily inspirational and encouraging Bible verse extracted from BibleGateway.com. Commentary by Kenny Sallee, ThM.
