Leviticus 19

“Be holy because I, the Lord your God, am holy” (v1). God’s law defined “holiness” in terms of relationships. Israelites were to relate to God in specific ways, for example: “Do not turn to idols or make metal gods for yourself” (v4). In relationships with everyone, they were forbidden to lie, steal, deceive, or seek revenge (v11-18). With the poor, they were to be merciful and to leave extra in the fields (v9,10,13). With foreigners, Israelites were to love them and treat them as “native born” (v33-34).

“I am the Lord, who brought you out of Egypt” (19:36). Just as God revealed himself through rescuing his people, he calls us to demonstrate our new identity as his holy people through how we love and serve others.