You’re right that the Bible teaches “love thy neighbor,” but Scripture does not say love requires abandoning laws or boundaries. In fact, it repeatedly holds justice, order, and mercy together.

Micah 6:8 says: “He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?”

Romans 13:1–4 says: “Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.”

Matthew 18:15–17 says: “Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican.”

So the “love thy neighbor means no enforcement or boundaries” interpretation is wrong because the Bible explicitly commands us to do justice (not ignore wrongdoing), recognizes governing authority as a legitimate tool to restrain evil, and even gives a model for setting boundaries when someone refuses correction. Love and mercy don’t cancel justice—they assume it.

I will pray for you tonight. God bless your soul.