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Tell Me The Stories of Jesus

January 3rd, 2024

Leviticus 19:11-19

If you are like me, you look at Leviticus 19:16 and say, “Mission accomplished.” Maybe talking negatively about others is not your weakness, but the heart of this verse encompasses a much wider warning. What about the news we listen to or the media we follow that reduces people to stereotypes or encourages us to deny dignity based on a set of perceived flaws. In-group/out-group dynamics that distance us from people who are different is a painful reality. It hurts the people we leave out, it hurts our witness, and it damages our soul.

It is interesting that Jesus’ command to love our neighbor as ourselves works both ways. Is it possible that our love for self is diminished when we deny others their human dignity? In this period of history, when we are polarized by political and social issues on a global scale, what is God saying to you about love? What are some practical ways that you can be a barrier to the flow of slander in your world?

Author: Teanna Sunberg