How does this verse connect to Jesus' teachings on loving your neighbor? The Core Instruction in Leviticus 25:14 “If you make a sale to your neighbor or a purchase from him, you must not take advantage of one another.” What This Tells Us about “Neighbor” • God places everyday business under His moral law. • “Neighbor” is not limited to family or friends; it is anyone with whom we interact, even in commerce. • Love is expressed through honesty, fair pricing, and refusing to manipulate another’s need. Jesus Echoes and Deepens the Command • Matthew 22:39—“Love your neighbor as yourself.” Jesus quotes Leviticus 19:18, affirming that neighbor love is foundational. • Matthew 7:12; Luke 6:31—The Golden Rule summarizes Leviticus 25:14: treat others as you want to be treated in every transaction. • Luke 10:30-37—The Good Samaritan shows neighbor love costs time, money, and personal risk; it cannot exploit another’s vulnerability. • Romans 13:9—Paul, following Jesus, states that all commandments “are summed up in this word: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” Shared Principles between Moses and Messiah • Fair Dealing = Practical Love – Leviticus 25:14 forbids economic exploitation. – Jesus’ teachings transform that negative command (“do not exploit”) into a positive one (“do good,” Luke 6:27). • Protection of the Vulnerable – Sabbatical-Jubilee context guards the poor from permanent loss (Leviticus 25:25-28). – Jesus proclaims “good news to the poor” (Luke 4:18), calling His followers to the same concern. • Covenant Faithfulness – Honest trade reflects God’s covenant character (Leviticus 19:36). – Jesus says, “Let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes’” (Matthew 5:37); integrity is non-negotiable. Practical Bridges for Today • Conduct business as worship: every invoice, wage, and contract is offered before God. • Price goods and services with both profit and compassion in mind. • Seek win-win outcomes that honor the image of God in the other person. • Repent quickly—and make restitution—if unfair advantage has been taken (Leviticus 6:2-5; Luke 19:8). • View competitors and customers as neighbors to love, not obstacles to beat. Living the Verse in Light of Jesus’ Words 1. Examine motives behind every deal: love or self-gain at another’s expense? 2. Match speech with action: clear terms, no hidden fees, no fine-print traps. 3. Practice generosity: round up a wage, not down (James 5:4 warns against withheld pay). 4. Remember Who owns it all: Leviticus 25:23—“The land is Mine.” Stewardship replaces exploitation. 5. Celebrate opportunities to mirror Christ’s sacrificial love even in routine purchases and sales. Leviticus 25:14 sets the standard; Jesus opens our eyes to its fullest expression. Loving our neighbor is never abstract—it reaches straight into our wallets, workplaces, and daily choices, revealing whether Christ truly rules our hearts. |
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