LOVE THY NEIGHBOUR

The healthy interpretation.

I am deeply passionate about Torah studies (The Old Testament) and find this incredible manifestation of The Creator quite addictive. The deeper I go with my studies, and believe me, it's endless, the more obvious it becomes to me that this book is DIVINE TRUTH and a blueprint on how to live your life successfully. Having said this, there are so many different interpretations of this book of truth, some extreme and frightening, some wise and enlightening.

Since living in Israel over the past 6 years, I have been fortunate to be able to study with many great Rabbis and teachers as I dove into various branches of this philosophical tree of wisdom. Each branch bearing its own special fruit with its unique and delicious flavour.

When studying Torah in it's native form, each letter, word and the placement of them is crucial to its interpretation. Today I enjoy dissecting and finding my own interpretation within the words I study. 

So... Leviticus 19:18 says-"... Love thy neighbour as yourself. I am the LORD."

What exactly is meant by this clear and powerful commandment given directly by the creator? Many take it to mean that our greatest responsibility is toward giving to those around us. I tried that for a few years but found myself depleted, broke and frustrated.

The bible says that God made us in his image. God is the greatest giver of everything, so surely we are here to give. But God first creates.  In order to truly be able to give, which is our greatest purpose in this world, first we need to nurture and learn to love ourselves. I'll give you a small example...Being a typical wife and mother, I tend to forget about my own needs and look after my children and my husbands needs first. This leaves little space for me, and next thing you know, I'm 5 KG's over weight, I can't bare looking at myself in the mirror, I feel depressed and unhealthy, I'm a grouch and a bitch and do not want to leave the house. Now this may sound vain, but its not. When I take care of myself and feel love toward myself, I have so much more to give to all around me as I feel healthy, happy and vibrant. So my advice to everyone out there is to really show yourself love, invest in yourself. Find what it is you love to do so that you can believe in yourself and shine out to the world.

Take the time necessary to do this, and do not feel bad about it. It is from this place of self health, self love and independence that one will truly be able to love thy neighbour.

Self hate breeds hating thy neighbour. Self love breeds loving thy neighbour. We are a mirror and what the neighbour reflects back at you is a clear indication on where you are at in this journey of LIFE and LOVE.

God Bless xxx