Why You Should Love Your Jewish Neighbor

In a world that often feels divided, it's important to remember the teachings that unite us in love and understanding. For Christians, one key teaching is to "love your neighbor as yourself," a directive found in both the Old and New Testaments. This command is not only a call to kindness but also a divine instruction that bridges both Jewish and Christian faiths. Here’s why you should love your Jewish neighbor.

“One of the most profound connections between Christianity and Judaism is the fact that Jesus Himself was Jewish.”

JESUS WAS JEWISH

One of the most profound connections between Christianity and Judaism is the fact that Jesus Himself was Jewish. His teachings, deeply rooted in Jewish tradition and Scripture, emphasized love and compassion. By loving our Jewish neighbors, we honor the origins of our faith and the life of Jesus, who lived and taught within a Jewish context.

A COMMAND OF LOVE

The concept of loving your neighbor is not unique to Christianity; it's deeply embedded in Jewish law. Leviticus 19:18 says, "Love your neighbor as yourself," which Jesus echoed in Matthew 22:39 when He called it the second greatest commandment. This shared value of love and genuine care and concern for your neighbor underscores the continuity between the two faiths and serves as a reminder that this command is not new, but eternal.

THE ROOTS OF CHRISTIANITY

Christianity's roots are firmly planted in Judaism. Many Christian traditions and beliefs find their origins in Jewish customs. Recognizing this interconnectedness can foster mutual respect and understanding between the two communities. By appreciating the shared history, Christians can deepen their faith and relationships with their Jewish neighbors.

“By appreciating the shared history, Christians can deepen their faith and relationships with their Jewish neighbors.”

GOD’S CHOSEN PEOPLE

The Bible teaches that God has a special covenant with Abram (whom would be renamed by God Abraham) and his descendants. This covenant and promise included blessings for the generations of Jewish people to come and the land of Israel (Genesis 12:1–3, Genesis 15:1–21, and Genesis 17:1–27).

Now the Lord said to Abram, “Go from your country and your kindred and your father's house to the land that I will show you. And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.

—Genesis 12:1–3

In that day the Lord made a covenant with Abram, saying, “To your offspring I give this land, from the river of Egypt to the great river, the river Euphrates, the land of the Kenites, the Kenizzites, the Kadmonites, the Hittites, the Perizzites, the Rephaim, the Amorites, the Canaanites, the Girgashites and the Jebusites.

—Genesis 15:18–20

When Abram was ninety-nine years old the Lord appeared to Abram and said to him, “I am God Almighty; walk before Me, and be blameless, that I may make My covenant between Me and you, and may multiply you greatly.” Then Abram fell on his face. And God said to him, “Behold, My covenant is with you, and you shall be the father of a multitude of nations. No longer shall your name be called Abram, but your name shall be Abraham, for I have made you the father of a multitude of nations. I will make you exceedingly fruitful, and I will make you into nations, and kings shall come from you. And I will establish My covenant between Me and you and your offspring after you throughout their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be God to you and to your offspring after you. And I will give to you and to your offspring after you the land of your sojournings, all the land of Canaan, for an everlasting possession, and I will be their God.”

—Genesis 17:1–8

And in Deuteronomy 7:6–8, we see that God chose Jewish people specifically to be His own. This is why Jewish people are referred to as God’s Chosen People.

“For you are a holy people, who belong to the Lord your God. Of all the people on earth, the Lord your God has chosen you to be his own special treasure.

“The Lord did not set His heart on you and choose you because you were more numerous than other nations, for you were the smallest of all nations! Rather, it was simply that the Lord loves you, and He was keeping the oath He had sworn to your ancestors.”

These promises did not change in the New Testament, they continue on to today. In Romans 11:28–29, the Apostle Paul speaks to the irrevocable nature of this calling and love God has for the Jewish people. God has indeed made a way for every tribe, tongue and nation to have a relationship with Him through Jesus the Messiah, but His enduring promise and purpose for Israel have not changed.

By following God’s example and loving His Chosen People, Christians can embody divine love and demonstrate true faithfulness to God’s commands.

“…His enduring promise and purpose for Israel have not changed.”

LOVE WITHOUT ENDORSEMENT

It’s important to note that loving your Jewish neighbor does not mean endorsing every action or policy associated with Israel or the broader Jewish community.

The government and military of Israel are made up of imperfect human beings just like you and me. The military of Israel, in an effort to defend its nation and people, sometimes makes mistakes. Members of the Jewish community may set policies or make decisions that conflict deeply with your personal convictions as a follower of Jesus.

But love transcends political and social boundaries, allowing us to stand together in solidarity without compromising our values. Encouraging dialogue and understanding can lead to peaceful coexistence and mutual growth.

“…extending love and understanding to our Jewish neighbors not only fulfills a biblical command but also strengthens the bonds between our communities…”

CONCLUSION

In these challenging times, extending love and understanding to our Jewish neighbors not only fulfills a biblical command but also strengthens the bonds between our communities. By bridging gaps with love, we uphold the teachings of Jesus and create a more connected, compassionate world.

By focusing on the shared values and history that unite us, we can work towards a more harmonious world for all. Let's take a step toward that world today by reaching out in love and kindness.