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.
Don't seek revenge or hold grudges against your fellow people, but love your neighbor as much as you love yourself. I am the LORD.
God is commanding His people to reject revenge and grudges, instead choosing to love others with the same care they show themselves.
📚 Historical Context
This verse comes from the Holiness Code in Leviticus, where God was establishing moral and ethical laws for the Israelites after their exodus from Egypt. These instructions were given to help the newly formed nation live in harmony with each other and reflect God's character. This particular command about loving one's neighbor became so foundational that Jesus later called it one of the two greatest commandments.
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