Real TalkSample

Day 17: Remember Where You Came From

Scripture: Leviticus 19:33–34 (NIV)
"When a foreigner resides among you in your land, do not mistreat them. The foreigner residing among you must be treated as your native-born. Love them as yourself, for you were foreigners in Egypt. I am the Lord your God."

God ties the command to memory. You were foreigners in Egypt. You know what it feels like to be the outsider. You know what it's like to be powerless in someone else's land. Let that shape how you treat people in the same position.

Most families have a version of that story. Somewhere in your history, someone moved. Someone started over somewhere new. Someone was the stranger who didn't know the language or the customs or where to sit at lunch. Someone depended on the kindness of people who didn't have to be kind.

And if you're honest, you've felt versions of it yourself. The new school. The new neighborhood. The group where you didn't know anyone. The moment where you were the outsider hoping someone would notice.

That feeling is a gift if you let it be. It's empathy. It's the ability to look at someone who's navigating something unfamiliar and actually understand what they're going through, because you've been there in some form.

God says use that. Let your own experience of being an outsider make you more compassionate toward people who are living it right now.

Reflect: When have you felt like an outsider or a stranger? What helped you feel welcomed? Who showed you kindness when they didn't have to?

Today: Think of one person in your school, neighborhood, or church who might be feeling like an outsider right now. Do one thing to make them feel seen.