In Everything Everyday // Leviticus 19:18

Today’s verse comes from a section in Leviticus where God instructed the Israelites in living together. It all began in verse 1 of this chapter with the umbrella statement that the people are to be holy because Gods is holy. The definition of holiness is “to be set apart.” This section helps us see what being set apart looks like from making offerings, harvesting crops, living with honest integrity, generosity, and even grooming requirements. It seems to me that much of this chapter hinges on today’s verse about loving neighbor as we love self.

I think it’s important to note that this concept is one that drove the heart of Jesus’ earthly ministry. He mentioned that loving neighbor is part of loving God as an overarching framework of the 10 Commandments. When He was challenged on to whom we should be neighborly, He taught in the Parable of the Good Samaritan that a neighbor is anyone we can show kindness. I think this gives some pretty important insight as to how God expects holiness from His children…in everything!

Yep, everything. God doesn’t want us partitioning our lives where some parts are holy and others are willy-nilly. From how we work, play, rest, and even practice personal hygiene, God wants us to do it all with Him in mind. This calls us to do everything for Him with love. May that be the approach we take into today and everyday. How about it? Let’s go!