In Lev. 19:34 the Lord required that, "The alien living with you must be treated as one of your native-born. Love him as yourself, for you were in Egypt. I am the LORD your God.”
Our changing society gives Christians the opportunity to compassionately engage a variety of people and learn what God wants for us in the process. It means involvement —pursuing intentional cross-cultural relationships. This is the essence of mission, not just outreach, but inclusion of all peoples as we fulfill our calling to live the character of Jesus where He has placed us, crossing cultural barriers with the love of Christ in word and in life.
"After this I looked and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb." Rev. 7:9
Mission is not only about the Gospel expanding across cultures and growing the kingdom. Mission also involves expressing the character and presence of the kingdom as we incorporate Christlikeness through cross-cultural relationship.
