# Love Thy Neighbour explained — Unspoken Sermons

> Chapter companion for Unspoken Sermons by George MacDonald.

## What happens

This chapter explores the commandment to love one's neighbor as oneself, arguing that true love transcends mere law-keeping. It emphasizes that love is the fulfilling of the law, not the other way around, and that only through a relationship with God can one truly love others. The chapter also reflects on the depth of this love, suggesting it extends even to the unredeemed, and that it is the only escape from the dungeon of self.

## Themes in this chapter

### Love of Neighbor and Enemy

Central theme: the commandment to love one's neighbor as oneself, extended to all, including enemies, as illustrated by the Good Samaritan.

### Critique of Religious Legalism

The chapter argues that law-keeping without love is insufficient and that true fulfillment of the law requires rising into a higher region of love.

### Inner Transformation and Perfection

Emphasizes that love is not an external act but a condition of being that results from being 'fulfilled of God' and leads to perfection.

## Character check-ins

### Jesus Christ

Quoted as the source of the parable of the Good Samaritan and the commandment to love one's neighbor; described as the one who makes the word fact.

### St. Paul

Quoted regarding love as the fulfilling of the law and his wish to be accursed for his brethren.

### Moses

Referenced as the recipient of the original commandment from God in Leviticus.

### Judas

Mentioned as the 'only unredeemed' in a hypothetical scenario about descending into hell for a brother.

### God the Father

Described as the source of love and the one who will not rest until all are found; the Father of all.

## Key lines

> Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.

You must love your neighbor in the same way you love yourself.

_This is the central commandment of the chapter, quoted from Leviticus and Matthew._

> Love worketh no ill to his neighbour, therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.

Love does no harm to a neighbor, so love is what completes the law.

_Paraphrase of St. Paul's argument that love is the essence of law-keeping._

> The law comes to make us long for the needful grace—that is, for the divine condition, in which love is all, for God is Love.

The law is given to make us desire grace, which is the state where love is everything, because God is love.

_Explains the purpose of the law as leading to grace and love._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/unspoken_sermons_se/chapters/love-thy-neighbour
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/unspoken_sermons_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/unspoken_sermons_se/chapters