Leviticus 19:1-2, 15-18 (NRSV)
Read Leviticus 19:1-2, 15-18 on biblegateway.com
Chapter 19The Lord spoke to Moses, saying: Verse 2Speak to all the congregation of the people of Israel and say to them: You shall be holy, for I the Lord your God am holy. Verse 15You shall not render an unjust judgment; you shall not be partial to the poor or defer to the great: with justice you shall judge your neighbor. Verse 16You shall not go around as a slanderer among your people, and you shall not profit by the blood of your neighbor: I am the Lord. Verse 17You shall not hate in your heart anyone of your kin; you shall reprove your neighbor, or you will incur guilt yourself. Verse 18You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against any of your people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the Lord.
Devotion
Often today the gospels are used to teach God’s “preferential option for the poor.” While this is modeled by Jesus as an important call in the lives of Christians, our reading today from Leviticus also reminds us that preferential option for the poor does not mean inequality of justice for any person. God is clear in verse 15 that justice is a balance that requires a lack of bias.
In a world where sin happens and people get hurt, it is easy to form generalized opinions about people and groups of people. These opinions often help us be wary or protect ourselves from harm. However, these generalized opinions can also cause us to have bias when it comes to justice.
We are reminded by God in verses 17-18 that each person must be treated with love and non-judgment, just as we would treat ourselves. This love for our neighbor is a part of what it means to be holy.
Prayer
God of justice, even in your preferential treatment of the poor, your justice is equal for all. Guide us in our lives that we may grant your fairness and love to all we meet. Amen.
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