Raise your hand if you love a good list. I mean, who doesn’t? We all feel better when we create a list and then check things off as we accomplish them. I have even been known to write my list after I am finished a task just to check it all off. And it is fun to check out Top Ten lists and use them as a guide. My husband became a pilot at age 28 and his life was ruled by the all-important flight check lists which enabled him to do his job in the air safely. A lot of couples like a good “Honey-Do” list of chores that keeps a household running. And if it weren’t for a weekly grocery list, most of us would have to make multiple trips to the store to purchase things we forgot.

Our Scripture today is a kind of list. It gives very clear instructions on how the Israelites were to love their neighbors. From justice issues, to gossip, to holding grudges, this list is a cohesive compilation of mandates from God on how the community should behave.

Known as the “Holiness Code,” these instructions were given to Moses on Mt. Sinai after God had rescued the nation of Israel from slavery in Egypt. God began this code by stating that Israel was called to be holy “because I your God am holy” (Leviticus 19:2). This reveals both the nature and intention of God. To be holy means to be separated out and set apart. God intentionally commanded the people to be separated from the other peoples around them so that the influence of pagan ideals would not permeate into Judaism. They were called to live in that world but not be of that world, much as Jesus commands us today.

Leviticus 19 (Common English Bible)

¹⁵ You must not act unjustly in a legal case. Do not show favoritism to the poor or deference to the great; you must judge your fellow Israelites fairly. ¹⁶ Do not go around slandering your people.  Do not stand by while your neighbor’s blood is shed; I am the Lord.¹⁷ You must not hate your fellow Israelite in your heart. Rebuke your fellow Israelite strongly, so you don’t become responsible for his sin. ¹⁸ You must not take revenge nor hold a grudge against any of your people; instead, you must love your neighbor as yourself; I am the Lord.

As you read through the list, what commands stood out to you? Caring for our neighbor involves treating everyone equally, defending their lives, not taking revenge on them, or holding a grudge. This is challenging in today’s world where social media is just one big gossip fest and hating those who don’t hold your political views seems to be accepted in society. The call to be holy in today’s environment is even important than ever. People might only see Jesus in how Christians treat their neighbors, so if love isn’t found in the neighborhood, Jesus isn’t found either.

What does it mean to you to love your neighbor? May we practice this list until we get it right.

This Neighborhood Rocks! by Kathy Schumacher