When we remember God’s mercy in saving us from our sins, just as He delivered Israel from slavery in Egypt, we are moved to be holy like God. Rather than obeying God’s commands out of mere obligation, we can willingly keep his laws out of a deep desire to do what is right. We are motivated to be holy because God is holy, to truly love God wholeheartedly, and to love our neighbor as ourselves, which sums up the law.

Verses 3-19 teach us practical ways to love God and love our neighbor. We are called to honor our parents, keep the Sabbath, reject idolatry, follow his instructions for offerings, and remember the poor and foreigners by generously providing from our abundance. Verses 11-18 teach us concrete ways to love our neighbor. We are commanded not to steal or lie, not to swear falsely or misuse God’s name, not to scam others or withhold wages, and not to abuse the deaf and blind. We must not practice injustice, slander others, or endanger our neighbor’s life., Instead of hating our neighbor or holding a grudge, we are to lovingly rebuke our neighbor when they are wrong and forgive them. By keeping God’s laws, we demonstrate our love for God and our neighbors.
Application: Father, strengthen me to remember your grace upon a sinner like me and to love my neighbor as myself.
One Word: Love your neighbor as yourself