Relating
Leviticus 19 speaks of relationships. The word relationship refers to how we relate to one another. The best way to relate is by love.
“When you reap the harvest of your land, you shall not reap your field right up to its edge, neither shall you gather the gleanings after your harvest. And you shall not strip your vineyard bare, neither shall you gather the fallen grapes of your vineyard. You shall leave them for the poor and for the sojourner: I am the Lord your God. Leviticus 19:9-10 (English Standard Version, ESV)
This points to giving to those who are worse off than you are. Love is not selfish, but cares for others and helps provide for others. We are to give to the poor and needy. We are to give as God gives to us.
“You shall not steal; you shall not deal falsely; you shall not lie to one another. Leviticus 19:11 (English Standard Version, ESV)
The devil is a thief and he steals. We are to be like God, not like the devil. God gives to all. We are also not to deal falsely with others. Be honest and truthful to others, acting with integrity of character. Be who you say you are. Do what you say you will do. If we lie or operate in falsehood so we can steal from others, we are not treating them right. It cheapens us and makes us less than who God wants us to be. Relationships are not just what we say to others but how we act towards them. We must always build relationships on honesty and truth, being one who walks in love.
You shall not swear by my name falsely, and so profane the name of your God: I am the Lord. Leviticus 19:12 (English Standard Version, ESV)
We must hold God’s name in truth, not using it falsely to get something we want. Be the real deal. If we name the name of Christ, we must wear it well by how we treat others. We keep God’s name holy by keeping our word and doing right by people.
“You shall not oppress your neighbor or rob him. The wages of a hired worker shall not remain with you all night until the morning. You shall not curse the deaf or put a stumbling block before the blind, but you shall fear your God: I am the Lord. Leviticus 19:13-14 (English Standard Version, ESV)
We are to pay people what they are worth, and we are to treat those with handicaps with respect. We must be kind, caring, and loving to those who fight physical and other such challenges Treat them the way you would like to be treated if you were in their place.
“You shall do no injustice in court. You shall not be partial to the poor or defer to the great, but in righteousness shall you judge your neighbor. Leviticus 19:15 (English Standard Version, ESV)
There is to be no foul play, but equal justice for all. This way everyone is treated fairly. Judges or anyone in a position to make a decision on behalf of others, must be just. Judges should rightly interpret the law, based on our constitution. When this is the case, there is truth, liberty, and justice for all.
You shall not go around as a slanderer among your people, and you shall not stand up against the life of your neighbor: I am the Lord. Leviticus 19:16 (English Standard Version, ESV)
God does not endorse slander. We must not damage or destroy someone’s good character, name, or reputation.
You shall not hate your brother in your heart, but you shall reason frankly with your neighbor, lest you incur sin because of him. You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against the sons of your own people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the Lord. Leviticus 19:17-18 (English Standard Version, ESV)
We must not hate anyone in our heart. This is the same as murdering them (I John 3:15). Get things right or you will incur sin. We’re not to seek vengeance. Leave it to God. He will do a better job of it than we can. God will repay us for any injustice. We must not hold grudges, but we are to forgive. We are to love our neighbor as ourselves. Love is the law of relationships. We must build relationships on love. Love is the highest law. It takes relationships to the highest level.
