The phrase “love your neighbor as yourself” is one of the most well-known teachings in the Bible. It comes from both the Old Testament and the New Testament, reminding us that loving others is central to our faith. Jesus highlighted this command as the second greatest commandment, right after loving God.
The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these. Mark 12:31
The Origin of the Command
The command was first given in the Old Testament, where God instructed His people to treat others with kindness and fairness.
Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against anyone among your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord. Leviticus 19:18
Here, love is not just about feelings. It is an action, showing care and refusing to harm others.
Jesus’ Teaching
When asked about the greatest commandment, Jesus brought together love for God and love for others. These two cannot be separated. Loving God should naturally lead to loving the people around us.
Jesus replied: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ Matthew 22:37–39
Who Is My Neighbor?
In the parable of the Good Samaritan, Jesus explained that a neighbor is not just the person living next door. It includes anyone in need, even strangers or those who might be different from us.
“Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?” The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.” Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.” Luke 10:36–37
Practical Ways to Love Your Neighbor
Loving your neighbor is lived out in simple, daily choices. It shows up in the way we speak, act, and care for others.
- Offering help to someone in need
- Speaking kindly, even when frustrated
- Listening with patience
- Forgiving instead of holding grudges
- Sharing what you have with those who lack
The Apostle Paul’s Reminder
Paul emphasized that loving others fulfills the entire law. When we love, we naturally avoid harming others.
The commandments, ‘You shall not commit adultery,’ ‘You shall not murder,’ ‘You shall not steal,’ ‘You shall not covet,’ and whatever other command there may be, are summed up in this one command: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law. Romans 13:9–10
Why This Command Matters Today
In a world full of division and conflict, this command is a call to live differently. Loving our neighbors means extending grace, showing compassion, and seeking peace. It reflects the love God has shown us through Christ.
We love because he first loved us. 1 John 4:19
Summary Table
| Passage | Main Point |
|---|---|
| Leviticus 19:18 | Love is an action—avoid revenge and care for others. |
| Matthew 22:37–39 | Loving God and loving people are the greatest commandments. |
| Mark 12:31 | Loving your neighbor is central to God’s law. |
| Luke 10:36–37 | A neighbor includes anyone in need, not just those close to us. |
| Romans 13:9–10 | Love fulfills the entire law by protecting and helping others. |
| 1 John 4:19 | We love others because God first loved us. |
