You must love your fellow as yourself.—Lev. 19:18.
While the Israelites were to show love to others, they were also to keep separate from those who worshipped false gods. Jehovah commanded: “You must form no marriage alliance with them.” Why? “For [the false worshipper] will turn your son from following me, and they will certainly serve other gods; and Jehovah’s anger will indeed blaze against you.” (Deut. 7:3, 4) Similarly, Christians guard against forming relationships with those who might weaken their faith. (1 Cor. 15:33) We are admonished: “Do not become unevenly yoked with unbelievers,” those who are no part of the Christian congregation. (2 Cor. 6:14) Further, Christians are counseled to marry “only in the Lord.” (1 Cor. 7:39) Yet, never should we be disdainful of those who do not share our belief in Jehovah. Christ died for sinners, and many who once practiced vile things changed their ways and became reconciled to God.—Rom. 5:8; 1 Cor. 6:9-11. w06 12/1 2:8-10
