Earlier in the year, we put out a blog post outlining ways that people could connect with refugees in their area, taking the connection from neighbor to friend. We encouraged readers to visit the homes of their friends, as the relationship often has a better chance to grow in a setting as comfortable as the home. This is still important and encouraged, and if you haven’t had a chance to read through the quick outline, check it out!

What’s the next step though? Is there something you can do to further develop your friendship with your international friend once you are already visiting their home? The answer is yes, without a doubt! Consider inviting your friend into your home, just as they’ve invited you into theirs. The previously mentioned blog post outlines basic cultural etiquette that will make you a respectful and welcomed guest, but much of it also applies to hosting. This post will focus more on the reasons to consider welcoming your international friends over to your home. 

Build the Friendship

Inviting someone into your home and showing hospitality, regardless of who they are, is a sign of mutual respect and care. Creating a welcoming environment for someone and showing a desire to serve them also proves desire to invest in the growing friendship. Worried about the potential awkwardness? Concerned about what to say, what to serve, or what to change about your home? Don’t get too tied up in concerns. It’s a good idea to make your space welcoming, plan to serve food and/or beverages that are relatively universal and culturally unassuming (tea/coffee and cookies is a great place to start), and consider putting away any pets that may be overwhelming to a new guest. Outside of that, smile and embrace the new experience! Your friend will certainly appreciate the vulnerability of welcoming them into your space, and most certainly will appreciate your reciprocating their hospitality. 

Be Biblically Obedient 

The Bible is absolutely full of stories about hospitality. In the Old Testament, God commands the Israelites to welcome and love strangers in their land (Leviticus 19:33-34). From Zacchaeus to Mary and Martha to Paul’s network of friends that provided him support and likely accommodations during his travel, hosts exist throughout the pages of the New Testament as well. It’s clear that God wants us to be hospitable and subsequently gives us many examples of that in His Word. Consider taking a step of obedience and an opportunity to further your relationship with God as you open your doors to your neighbor and friend.

Open New Doors

One might be amazed at what new doors could be opened simply by deciding to open their own. Inviting an international friend into your home means bringing them to a space outside of their normal cultural context, away from societal pressure within their community. It is in this setting that openness becomes more likely. Without the fear of what others in their community might think, a friend may be more willing to hear and ask questions about a Bible story. With the honor-shame pressure out of the way, we’ve found that stories tend to be better received. Could God be urging you to open your door so that He may open others?

Regardless of which reason is most compelling, it’s clear that there are several reasons and plenty of benefit to inviting your international friend into your home. Consider taking a step out of your comfort zone and into obedience as you open your door. Haven’t made a connection yet? Join us for FirstServe in June and take the first steps toward getting involved and meeting your neighbor!