Shalom, Mitspacha!
“You shall not wrong a stranger, nor oppress him, for you were strangers in the land of Mitsrayim.”
- Shemot 22:21
The Torah repeats the command to care for the stranger because YHVH values those who join the covenant from outside. Converts often carry wounds and uncertainty; they need nurture, not needless criticism.
To wound a convert with words is a serious breach of covenant life. YHVH draws near to defend the vulnerable, and He expects His people to mirror that protection in speech and attitude.
“Love the stranger, for you were strangers in the land of Mitsrayim.”
- Devarim 10:19
The tongue builds or destroys. One careless or harsh phrase can unsettle a newcomer and push them away from the community. Torah calls us to speak life, encouragement, and solid instruction to those grafted in.
Remember where YHVH brought you from; the grace you received becomes the grace you are to extend. Our compassion toward the convert proves whether Torah has formed our hearts.
Examine your speech today - especially toward those who are new. Choose patience over impatience, clarity over sarcasm, correction over contempt, and restoration over shame. If you have spoken harshly, seek the one you hurt and make it right.
Abba YHVH, place a guard over our lips that we may speak life and not harm. Teach us to treat the convert with the love You command, with patience, honor, and compassion. Shape our hearts to reflect Yours and let our words be worthy of Your Name. Baruch YHVH.
Baruch YHVH.
Shalom until tomorrow.