Love the Neighbors You’re Reaching

As we seek to reach our neighbors with the gospel, one way we love them is by honoring their language, traditions, and customs.

By Scott Hildreth

How important is it to honor our neighbors’ backgrounds as we share the gospel with them in love?

According to recent research done by Pew Research Center, people from other countries hold their cultural identities (think: language, customs, holidays, dress) as deeply important. In countries where the researchers asked about language, at least 4 in 5 say being able to speak their country’s most common language is somewhat or very important for true belonging in the country. And in most countries, around 7 in 10 or more say sharing national customs and traditions is somewhat or very important for true belonging in the country.

In other words, when people move to the United States, they may come with the hopes for an improved life. But this doesn’t mean they want to lose their heritage or cultural uniqueness.

This is easy to identify with. I lived in several countries while serving with the International Mission Board. In each of these places, we wanted to fit in as accepted outsiders and welcomed guests. However, we didn’t want to lose our American heritage.

I remember being asked several times: “Do they have the Fourth of July over there?” To which I’d answer, “It’s a day on the calendar. But they don’t celebrate anything like we do.” And we always did. We’d gather with other Americans and do something to celebrate.

So, how does this knowledge impact our missionary calling?

1. Culture as a bridge

First, this research reminds us that appreciating and honoring another’s culture is a crucial bridge for building strong relationships. Do an internet search to learn something about your neighbor’s culture. Be inquisitive about language, customs, and celebrations.

“Appreciating and honoring another’s culture is a crucial bridge for building strong relationships.” — @dshildreth Share on X

This research lets us know people from other countries are as proud of their customs as we are of ours. They will be honored to share, and this becomes a great way to build friendships. We share our culture and celebrate theirs too.

2. Opportunities for evangelism

Remember the gospel always travels best in relationships. So, building and honoring friendships with others is an important step in evangelism. We learn to love and appreciate our neighbors, and this relationship provides a platform for conversation. These conversations naturally shift to religion, which allows you to share what Christ has done for you.

One interesting aspect of this research shows most people hold religious affiliation looser than they do other cultural features. So, even though your neighbor may come from a country with a dominant religion, research indicates it may be a mistake to assume this signals a deep commitment. So, as we learn to honor others, we may discover bridges for gospel conversations.

“The gospel always travels best in relationships. So, building and honoring friendships with others is an important step in evangelism.” — @dshildreth Share on X

3. Cultural pride and political identity

Don’t confuse cultural pride with political identity. One of the biggest mistakes we make in cross-cultural evangelism is assuming the desire to maintain cultural identity is a sign of rebellion against our country or embracing the worst of another country’s politics. The Pew Research data doesn’t support this fear.

Any time we are in a strange place, we long for something familiar. Cultural celebrations and language create just such a feeling. As Americans, we act neighborly and loving when we honor those around us. We make others feel more at ease and at home. We also fulfill the second great commandment: “Love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:39, CSB).

For permission to republish this article, contact Marissa Postell Sullivan.