Do Not Commit Adultery
What foundational principle does “Do not commit adultery” epitomize?
Loyalty. Loyalty is the faithful adherence to promises and commitments.
I never met my grandfather (my father’s father.) My father loved and respected him very much and would tell us stories and quotes he used to repeat. One of them was a paraphrasing of Aristotle’s parable about friendship in Nicomachean Ethics, “Men cannot know each other till they have ‘eaten salt together.’”
My grandfather would say, “You only love someone after eating a bag of salt together.” It takes a long time to eat a bag of salt, and inevitably, over that time, in any relationship, there will be ups and downs. When a relationship is challenged, and we give into our baser, selfish nature, the bonds are weakened or broken. But, when we are loyal, the bonds strengthen, trust forms, and we create the possibility for love.
This week, make an effort to be conscious of your relationships and their commitments. Pay special attention when your loyalty is called for.
Join the Ten for Ten network and spend ten minutes a day reviewing and deepening your connection to the Aseret HaDibrot (Ten Commandments)
Do you want a printed Aseret Affirmation? Just let me know your address, and we’ll send you one free.
And, please share your insights and stories with me.
Wishing you safety and strength,
Nitzan Bergman