Relating the Mission of God to Intercultural Relationship-Building

Introduction

The mission of God is centered on reconciling all people to Himself and to one another, as revealed throughout Scripture. This divine purpose transcends cultural and social boundaries, calling followers of Christ to embrace unity, diversity, and intentional relationships. Developing intercultural relationships is a vital expression of God’s mission, as it reflects His inclusive love and desire for all nations to be part of His family (Revelation 7:9). To embody this, Christians must go beyond superficial connections, investing deeply in relationship-building by welcoming others, nurturing trust, and being sensitive to cultural differences. This process requires not only a heart shaped by the gospel but also skills rooted in intercultural communication and social psychology, enabling believers to navigate complex cultural contexts effectively. By intentionally applying biblical principles to the art of building relationships, Christians can become living witnesses to God’s mission in a multicultural world. The text below explores five approaches to intercultural relationship-building, each inspired by Scripture and equipped with practical applications to everyday life.

1. The Approach of Radical Hospitality

Radical hospitality goes beyond politeness to embody God’s heart of extravagant welcome. It reflects the reality that every person, regardless of culture or background, bears God’s image and is invited into His family. This approach fosters a space where others feel seen, valued, and safe, breaking down barriers of alienation or exclusion. Radical hospitality is proactive and sacrificial, requiring believers to create environments where diversity is not just tolerated but celebrated as part of God’s design. By embracing others with warmth and openness, Christians model the inclusivity of the gospel, inviting all people to experience God’s love in community.

Biblical Illustration
In the Parable of the Great Banquet (Luke 14:16-24), Jesus describes a host who prepares a grand banquet and initially invites a select group of people. When the original invitees decline, the host opens his doors to “the poor, the crippled, the blind, and the lame,” as well as strangers from the roads and countryside. This act of radical inclusion highlights the nature of God’s kingdom: a place of unconditional welcome where all are invited, regardless of their social or cultural status. The host’s persistent invitation reflects God’s proactive pursuit of people, breaking down barriers of exclusivity to extend His love universally. This story challenges believers to imitate God’s heart by extending hospitality to those often overlooked or excluded in society..

Applications to Everyday Life:

• Welcoming New Neighbors
  When someone new moves into the neighborhood, practice radical hospitality by inviting them over for a meal, learning about their background, and making them feel valued in their new community.
• Creating Inclusive Spaces
  At work, intentionally create an environment where team members from different cultural backgrounds feel included by celebrating diverse holidays or hosting events that allow them to share their traditions.

2. The Approach of Empathetic Listening

Empathetic listening prioritizes understanding the feelings, experiences, and perspectives of others without judgment. It involves setting aside one’s own agenda to fully engage with what the other person is communicating, both verbally and nonverbally. This approach mirrors God’s attentiveness to His people, as seen in verses like Psalm 34:15: “The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are attentive to their cry.” Empathetic listening is essential in intercultural relationships because it validates others’ experiences and opens the door to deeper trust and mutual respect. It also helps navigate misunderstandings, which are common in cross-cultural interactions, by fostering clarity and compassion.

Biblical Illustration
After His resurrection, Jesus encounters two disciples walking to Emmaus (Luke 24:13-35), who are disheartened and confused about the events surrounding His death. Rather than immediately revealing His identity or correcting their misconceptions, Jesus listens attentively to their grief and concerns, allowing them to express their feelings fully. His empathetic engagement creates space for their emotions and demonstrates His care for their humanity. Only after listening and walking alongside them does He open their eyes to the truth. This story illustrates how empathetic listening can build trust and understanding, paving the way for deeper connections and meaningful revelations.

Applications to Everyday Life:

• Engaging with a New Colleague
  When a new colleague from a different culture joins your team, take time to listen to their experiences and challenges as they acclimate. Avoid rushing to offer solutions; instead, focus on understanding their perspective.
• Building Deeper Friendships
  During conversations with someone from another background, ask open-ended questions about their culture or life story. Actively listen without interrupting or assuming, showing that you genuinely value their experiences.

3. The Approach of Intentional Bridge-Building

Bridge-building is a deliberate effort to connect with others across cultural divides, focusing on shared values, experiences, or goals while respecting and learning from differences. This approach requires active engagement and adaptability, as believers step into others’ worlds with humility and curiosity. Bridge-building is essential to the mission of God, reflecting Christ’s own ministry of reconciliation, where He broke down dividing walls (Ephesians 2:14). It involves cultivating trust through consistent actions and creating opportunities for collaboration and friendship. By focusing on what unites rather than what divides, this approach fosters unity while celebrating the unique contributions of diverse cultures.

Biblical Illustration
Esther, a Jewish queen in a Persian court (Esther 4:8-16), builds a bridge between her people and King Xerxes to save the Jewish community from destruction. Despite her privileged position, she risks her life to approach the king, using wisdom and cultural understanding to advocate for her people. Esther’s willingness to navigate the complexities of Persian customs and her strategic approach demonstrate the power of intentional bridge-building. Her actions not only preserve her people but also highlight the importance of stepping into the gap to connect those in positions of influence with those in need. This story illustrates how sensitivity to cultural norms and a willingness to take risks can foster meaningful connections and achieve significant outcomes.

Applications to Everyday Life:

• Community Projects
  Volunteer with community programs that involve people from diverse backgrounds, such as a multicultural youth mentorship initiative, where you can build connections and find shared goals.
• Collaborating Across Cultures
  At work, when forming a project team, proactively partner with colleagues from different cultural contexts. Take time to learn about their perspectives and work styles, ensuring their voices are included in decision-making.

4. The Approach of Humble Service

Humble service is the practice of meeting others’ needs with a selfless and sacrificial attitude, reflecting Christ’s example. It recognizes that service is not about asserting superiority but about demonstrating love through action. Philippians 2:3-4 encourages believers to “do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” This approach is particularly impactful in intercultural relationships because acts of service often transcend language and cultural barriers, communicating care and respect in universally understood ways. Through humble service, Christians build trust, dismantle stereotypes, and reflect the love of Christ in practical ways.

Biblical Illustration
Boaz (Ruth 2:1-12), a wealthy landowner, demonstrates humility and kindness by offering Ruth, a foreigner and widow, protection and access to food in his fields. Despite their differing social statuses and cultural backgrounds, Boaz goes beyond the legal requirements of the law to ensure Ruth’s well-being, instructing his workers to leave extra grain for her to gather. His actions reflect God’s love for the vulnerable and marginalized, fostering trust and dignity in their interactions. Boaz’s example reminds believers that serving others with humility and generosity can build bridges across cultural and social barriers.

Applications to Everyday Life:

• Assisting a Stranger in Need
  If you notice someone from a different cultural background struggling with an everyday task (e.g., navigating a public transport system), offer to assist them with kindness and patience, communicating your care through action.
• Supporting International Students
  Volunteer to help international students in your community, offering practical support such as language tutoring, helping them navigate local systems, or sharing a meal to make them feel at home.

5. The Approach of Cultural Humility

Cultural humility is a lifelong commitment to learning about and honoring others’ cultures while recognizing the limits of one’s own understanding. It involves approaching relationships with openness, curiosity, and a willingness to acknowledge and correct biases. This approach aligns with Romans 12:10, which calls believers to “be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.” Cultural humility is not about mastering another culture but about adopting a posture of respect and a readiness to learn from others. In intercultural relationships, this attitude creates an environment of mutual growth, where differences are seen as opportunities for enrichment rather than barriers. It also helps avoid misunderstandings and promotes genuine, respectful engagement.

Biblical Illustration
When a Roman centurion (Matthew 8:5-13), a representative of an occupying force, asks Jesus to heal his servant, Jesus responds with grace and respect, offering to come to his home. The centurion, however, humbly declares that he is not worthy of such an honor and expresses profound faith in Jesus’ authority, saying, “Just say the word, and my servant will be healed.” Jesus marvels at the centurion’s faith, commending it as greater than any He has seen in Israel. This story illustrates cultural humility from both Jesus, who honors the faith of a non-Jew, and the centurion, who recognizes and respects Jesus’ spiritual authority despite their cultural differences. It encourages believers to approach intercultural relationships with a willingness to learn from and value the contributions of others.

Applications to Everyday Life:

1. Learning from a Friend’s Culture
   If a friend or coworker invites you to a cultural event, attend with curiosity and a willingness to learn. Ask questions about their traditions or practices with an attitude of respect and openness.
2. Adjusting Personal Practices
   When interacting with someone from a different culture, be attentive to their preferences or customs, such as dietary restrictions or greetings, and adapt your behavior accordingly to show respect and foster trust.

Conclusion

Intercultural relationship-building is not just a social skill; it is a profound expression of God’s mission to reconcile and unite all people in Christ. Through the approaches of radical hospitality, empathetic listening, intentional bridge-building, humble service, and cultural humility, believers can reflect the heart of God and foster meaningful connections that transcend cultural boundaries. These practices enable Christians to embody the gospel in their relationships, demonstrating God’s love in tangible and transformative ways. As believers intentionally engage with people from diverse backgrounds, they not only build rapport and nurture trust but also participate in the fulfillment of God’s redemptive mission on earth. This call to intercultural relationship-building challenges us to move beyond comfort zones, embrace diversity, and actively seek opportunities to glorify God through relationships that mirror His inclusive and reconciling nature. By faithfully adopting these approaches, we live out our role as ambassadors of Christ in a beautifully diverse and interconnected world.

Curt Watke, PhD

Dr. Curt Watke is a distinguished missiologist whose three-plus-decade-long career has significantly impacted Christian mission work in North America, particularly in under-reached and challenging regions. Holding a Ph.D. in Evangelism and Missions, Dr. Watke has focused on bridging cultural gaps and fostering sustainable Christian communities by developing innovative strategies that address contemporary challenges like globalization, urbanization, and religious pluralism. His emphasis on cultural sensitivity and contextualization in mission work is reflected in his collaborative writings, including notable works such as “Ministry Context Exploration: Understanding North American Cultures” and “Starting Reproducing Congregations.” Beyond his writing, Dr. Watke is a sought-after speaker and educator, lecturing at seminaries and conferences worldwide, and his teachings continue to inspire and equip new generations of missional leaders. His enduring legacy is marked by unwavering dedication to the mission of God and a profound influence on missional thought and practice.  Dr. Watke serves as President and Professor of Evangelism & Missiology at Missional University.