Love of Neighbour: The Proper Measure and Degree

"Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself"—the second great commandment requires careful interpretation. Many have misconstrued this precept. Some suppose we must love our neighbour with the same selfish affection we naturally direct toward ourselves, yet such self-love is sinful and cannot be our model. Others claim we must love identically in manner as we love ourselves—inordinately and without equity—which plainly contradicts evangelical virtue.

The true meaning lies deeper. Elohim has committed our own concerns to us in a peculiar manner; we are bound by duty to "provide for our own, especially for those of our own households." This preferential care reflects our nature: we understand and feel what pertains to ourselves more entirely than what pertains to others.

Furthermore, we are not bound to love all neighbours in identical degree. Some possess greater talents, excellence, and usefulness to mankind. Saint Paul, a great and excellent man, rightfully claims a higher degree of love from us than one inferior in character and circumstances. Whether we regard them with benevolence or complacency, we must make difference—often a wide one—because they plainly differ exceedingly in their characters and conditions.

Thus the precept requires us to love our neighbour generally and indefinitely as ourselves—with proportionate regard, disciplined affection purged of selfishness, and graduated esteem suited to each person's station and merit.