Definition: [But] the stranger that dwelleth with you shall be unto you as one born among you, and thou shalt love him as thyself; for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt: I [am] the LORD your God.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Leviticus 19:34. It’s a really important message about how we should treat people who are different from us. Here's what it means in simple terms: The Core Idea: This verse is essentially saying that you must love and be kind to foreigners – those who are visiting or living among you, just like you would love a friend. It’s about extending hospitality and compassion to people from different backgrounds. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “But] the stranger…” - This immediately sets up the situation: we’re talking about someone who isn’t a member of our family or community. “…that dwelleth with you…” – This means they are visiting, living, or staying in our area for a while. "...as one born among you..." - This is the key part! It's saying that we treat them just like any other person we’re comfortable with. We don't need to be suspicious of them or make special rules for them. "...and thou shalt love him as thyself…” – This is where the action comes in. It means to show kindness, respect, and care for them just like you would for a friend. "For ye were strangers in the land of Egypt..." - This is a powerful metaphor! The story of the Egyptians escaping from Pharaoh's army is a famous example of how we can show love and compassion to those who are different from us, even when they seem difficult or unwelcome. It highlights that we were also strangers at one point in our lives. "...I [am] the LORD your God." – This is a crucial part! It reminds us that we’re talking about God and His law. The verse says, "I am the LORD your God," meaning that God is the ultimate authority and source of love and compassion. In a nutshell: This verse teaches us to extend kindness and acceptance to everyone, regardless of their background or where they come from. It’s about showing respect and treating others with dignity – just like we would treat a friend. Why is this important? The idea behind this passage is that God wants us to be inclusive and welcoming to all people. It's a reminder of our shared humanity and the importance of treating everyone with love and justice. Do you want me to: Explain another part of the verse in more detail? Give an example of how this principle applies in everyday life?