Leviticus 25:36
“Take no interest from him or profit, but fear your God; that your brother may live among you.”
What does Leviticus 25:36 mean?
God is speaking here to people with extra resources about how to treat neighbors facing financial hardship. Rather than charging interest on a loan to someone struggling, the command is to help them survive and stay part of the community, even if it costs you something. The phrase "fear your God" isn't about being afraid, but about respecting God enough to prioritize another person's survival over your own financial gain. It's a radical statement that our relationship with God shows up most clearly in how we treat people in need, especially when helping them requires sacrifice on our part.