Leviticus 18:1-2 The Lord said to Moses, “Speak to the Israelites and say to them: ‘I am the Lord your God.
I can already tell you that this entire chapter is one that I want to skip because it is often used (in both commentary and in life) as a weapon and not a guide. I think using God’s word as a weapon is always dangerous.
Leviticus 18:3 You must not do as they do in Egypt, where you used to live, and you must not do as they do in the land of Canaan, where I am bringing you. Do not follow their practices.
Because the Israelites had been in captivity in Egypt for 400 years and Egyptian customs were very different, God wanted to reiterate to the Israelites what was acceptable to Him. That is the purpose of all the rules in Leviticus.
Leviticus 18:4 You must obey my laws and be careful to follow my decrees. I am the Lord your God.
Precious Savior, It is so easy to use Your word as a weapon instead of a tool of instruction. That is not what You intended nor what You want for us. Help us to use Your word to draw closer to You, to understand You more and better, not to draw dividing lines between us and our fellow human beings. Help us to love You and love others as You call us to love. Help us, Jesus. Amen.
Leviticus 18:5 Keep my decrees and laws, for the person who obeys them will live by them. I am the Lord.
Have a blessed day.