Item 2 in Two Great Commandments

Love Your Neighbour as Yourself

Treat another person's welfare as morally significant rather than pursuing only self-interest.

Position
2
Form
Positive duty or instruction
Obligation
Mandatory
Wording status
Editorial paraphrase
Intended audience
Followers of Jesus
Last reviewed
28 June 2026

Names and terminology

Canonical name: Love Your Neighbour as Yourself

Source wording

Editorial paraphrase: Treat another person's welfare as morally significant rather than pursuing only self-interest.

Editorial paraphrase

Literal meaning

Treat another person's welfare as morally significant rather than pursuing only self-interest.

Broader interpretation

The surrounding Gospel traditions expand neighbour-love beyond close social allies.

Historical context

This item belongs to Two Great Commandments. First-century Christian tradition; Roman-era Judea.

Practical meaning

Practical application requires attention to intention, consent, evidence, rights, foreseeable effects and the needs of all persons or beings affected.

Ethical purpose

To shape conduct, judgment or character in a way consistent with the wider framework.

Exceptions and disputes

Love does not require enabling abuse or ignoring fair boundaries and accountability.

Variations across schools or traditions

Wording and interpretation may vary between translations, denominations, schools and historical periods.

Modern application

Modern application should distinguish the historical formulation from present legal, social and ethical conditions.

Criticism and difficult cases

Love does not require enabling abuse or ignoring fair boundaries and accountability.

Truth By Reason analysis

Truth By Reason assesses this principle through evidence, intentions, rights, foreseeable consequences, consistency and the treatment of all affected beings.

Ethical themes

  • Care for strangers
  • Compassion
  • Human dignity

Sources