"Love your friend like you love yourself." (Vayikra 19:18) The verse expresses the wonderful ideal to love others with same love that we love ourselves. When we share our wisdom and material possessions with others, we follow the holy way of loving kindness. Still, even when we love others, it is natural to love ourselves more than we love our friends. The Torah instructs to to go beyond human nature, and love other people with the same love that we hold for ourselves.
There are no boundaries in love. Just as we want the very best for ourselves, the Torah elevates us to love, give, and want the very best for our friends.
Imagine that you have a key that opens your heart to love others with the same magnitude of love that you love yourself. Envision using the key to unlock your heart. Feel the joy of your love expanding and increasing until your entire heart is filled with unbounded love for others. (Based on the commentary of the Ramban and Da'as Torah) |