Definition: Thou shalt not hate thy brother in thine heart: thou shalt in any wise rebuke thy neighbour, and not suffer sin upon him.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this incredibly important verse from Leviticus 19:17. It’s a really powerful message about love and forgiveness. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Core Idea: This verse is saying that we shouldn't harbor hatred or bitterness towards someone in our hearts – especially when we see them doing something wrong. But, instead of letting that negativity damage them, we should actively try to correct the situation and prevent harm from happening. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “Thou shalt not hate thy brother…” : This is a direct command. It means you shouldn't feel hatred or malice towards someone. It’s about not allowing negative emotions to take over your thoughts and actions. Think of it like this: You don’t want to be angry at someone just because they did something that hurts you. "...in thine heart:" This is a key part. It refers to the feelings, thoughts, and judgments we have within ourselves . It's about our internal state. “you shalt in any wise rebuke thy neighbour…” : This means you should actively try to correct or address someone’s behavior. It's not just wishing them good – it’s actively trying to make things right. Think of it as a gentle but firm call to action. "...and not suffer sin upon him." This is the result of trying to correct someone. It means that if you harbor hatred, it will lead to harm for your neighbor - potentially causing them pain, suffering, or even serious consequences. It’s about preventing wrongdoing and protecting others. In essence, this verse emphasizes: Love as a Priority: Love for God and love for your fellow human beings is more important than anger or resentment. Responsibility: We have a responsibility to address harmful thoughts and actions, even if it's difficult. Forgiveness & Repair: It encourages us to forgive and seek ways to repair harm caused by others, not just passively accepting the situation. Why is this important? It’s rooted in the idea that God created us with a sense of compassion and justice. He wants us to treat others with kindness and righteousness, and to avoid actions that could cause them pain or suffering. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of this verse? Give some examples of how this principle applies in real-life situations?