Leviticus 19:18—“Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself: I am the LORD.”
This command appears within a chapter that repeatedly calls God’s people to holiness in everyday life. Holiness is not merely ceremonial separation but also loving relationships governed by God’s character. Set within the "Holiness Code", this profound command teaches that holiness is not merely ritual purity; it is deeply relational.
The verse begins with two prohibitions: “Thou shalt not avenge” and “nor bear any grudge”. Fallen human nature seeks retaliation and secretly treasures resentment. God forbids both outward revenge and inward bitterness. When wronged, the flesh desires retaliation or, at the very least, a lingering animosity. Yet harbouring a grudge poisons the soul and fractures the body of believers, their communion, and their co-labouring for God. Believers are called to surrender personal vengeance, for the Lord Himself says elsewhere, “Vengeance is mine; I will repay” (Romans 12:19).
Positively, God commands, “thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself”. This is not a call to self-centred love but a call to extend to others the same care, patience, and concern we naturally desire for ourselves. This command later became central in Christ’s teaching: “Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself” (Matthew 22:39). Love is not mere sentiment; it is deliberate kindness, forgiveness, generosity, and truthfulness toward others.
The verse concludes with the solemn declaration, “I am the LORD”. Our motivation for love is not convenience but submission to God’s authority and imitation of His holy character. Those who know God’s mercy must reflect His mercy. Therefore, let every grudge be surrendered, every bitterness confessed, and every relationship governed by holy love.
