Leviticus 19

“You shall be holy, for I the Lord your God am holy” (v2).  The Israelites were taught that “holiness” was a way of behaving toward God and other people.  It included respect for parents (v3), not making idols (v4), and not taking all possible profit for ourselves (v9), but rather being generous to the poor. Holiness is speaking the truth, being fair (v11), and treating foreigners well: “You shall treat the stranger who sojourns with you as the native among you, and you shall love him as yourself” (v34).

“I am the Lord your God” (v31).  Pursuing holiness means being willing to change our own behavior to follow God’s standard of love.