Leviticus 19:18
Bible study about God being the Judge.
“You shall not take vengeance, nor bear any grudge against the children of your people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the Lord.”
Leviticus 19:18
Let’s break today’s verse into smaller parts.
“You shall not take vengeance”
God is the One Who judges, He is the final Judge. This reminds me of another verse.
- Romans 12:19: “Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord.”
- Deuteronomy 32:35a: “Vengeance is Mine, and recompense;”
- Hebrews 10:30-31: “For we know Him who said, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. And again, “The Lord will judge His people.” It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.”
“Nor bear any grudge against the children of your people”
This is similar to verse 17: “You shall not hate your brother in your heart.” We have to be forgiving and kind. If someone has done us harm, we must not return it upon him. That is avenging. We are to forgive and let go, because we too have been forgiven by God.
“But you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the Lord.”
Jesus later reminds us that this is the second great commandment of the law. First love God, then your neighbour.
- Matthew 22:37-40: “Jesus said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.”“
The apostle Paul shows us that this commandment is the summary of all the laws of the second table.
- Romans 13:9: “For the commandments, “You shall not commit adultery,” “You shall not murder,” “You shall not steal,” “You shall not bear false witness,” “You shall not covet,” and if there is any other commandment, are all summed up in this saying, namely, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.””
Today’s lesson: Don’t be too eager to deal out judgement; be careful with your words. Vengeance belongs to God. Instead, love your neighbour as you love yourself. Show the same love that God has shown you.