The Royal Law: Love thy neighbor as thyself
Matthew 22:36-39; Matthew19:16-19; Mark 12:28-33; Luke 10:25-27; Romans 13:9-10; Galatians 5:14; James 2:8
Mark 12:33 says this is "more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices."
In Matthew 19:16-19 and Luke 10:26, Jesus stated that doing this commandment is part of what needs to be done to inherit eternal life.
Romans 13:9 says that this is the fulfillment of the law.
Galatians 5:14 states that the whole law is fulfilled in this one word.
And James 2:8 says that this is the "royal law."
Loving others is not something exclusive to the New Testament.
Leviticus 19:9-10 Care for the stranger, the poor, and the needy
Leviticus 19:11-12 We are not to lie, steal, or swear falsely.
Leviticus 19:13 We are not to oppress or rob others. We are to be fair and honest in all our dealings with others.
Leviticus 19:14 We are not to put a stumbling block for those who have physical handicaps.
Leviticus 19:15 We are to have impartial judgments (James 2:1-8).
Leviticus 19:16 We are not to slander or falsely accuse our neighbor.
Leviticus 19:17-18 We are not to hate or take vengeance.
"Love your neighbor as yourself" is not "new covenant" behavior. It is how God has always wanted His people to behave towards one another. This is the behavior of a believer in God, of a disciple.
Greater Love
Jesus Christ set an even higher standard.
John 13:34-25 The new commandment — love as he loved!
John 15:12-14 There is no greater love.
Ephesians 5:1-2 We are to love like Christ.
Ephesians 5:17-19 This love surpasses knowledge. It is supernatural. How much do you think you can love? God is able to do far more abundantly than you can ask or think. He is at work within us, and he is not limited to our inability to love.
Acts 6:8-15; 7:1-2, 54-60 Stephen loved
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