{Home is the starting place for lived-out-love, a place where the needs of the whole person are cared for.  This post explores the relational care we extend to others beyond our household.}

Each of our homes has a front door.  I imagine each person in our household coming and going, and other people being welcomed in.  My husband Richard engages with many people at the university, the girls are a helpful and friendly part of their school community, and I run errands or spend my morning at MOPS as a mentor mom.  Neighbor kids come play and a small group Bible study meets in our home.

At times the door of our home is closed.  This closed door can create a healthy boundary to provide extra care and rest, possibly for physical reasons or due to stresses and sufferings in life.  Sometimes daily life is all we can manage, and we accept grace to live more simply.  Wise choices during hard seasons allow us space to heal, grow, and maintain strong relationships.  This allows us to be more prepared to share our lives when we are ready to open the door again!

Out of healthy, loving relating within a household, we can share authentic Jesus-love with those who come into our home. 

Relating begins with seeing people.  We should notice others throughout our day.  This can begin with paying attention, making time for, and caring for each other at home.  We need to learn to really see people.  I see more than just a cashier at the grocery store or a waitress, but a whole person with emotions and social needs.  The way I interact with them reflects that.  Our days are full of opportunities to notice people!  This can be as simple as asking, “How’s your morning going?” or returning the shopping cart for the mom of small chidren who just finished loading her car with groceries.    

“So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone …”   

~ Galatians 6:10 (ESV)

Relating includes inviting others into our lives.  Relationship is mutual.  As I invite someone into my life, I share who I am with them, show interest in their life, and give them my attention, time, and energy.

Relating includes inviting others into our homes.  With the home we create, we have something to invite others into.  When we regularly establish family dinners, we have a shared mealtime to invite others into.  By providing fun spaces with interesting things to do, our children’s friends want to spend time in our home.  Being invited into someone’s home is a meaningful part of getting to know them.  The home setting we create allows us to share love with others!  A Life that Says Welcome is a book full of beautiful ideas for living this out.  

“Therefore welcome one another, as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.”  

~ Romans 15:7

Who do you interact with beyond your home?  How can you keep your eyes open for opportunities to do good and love others?

How can you use your home to share love with others? Who can you invite – into your home or some other part of your life?

See these links for other topics:

1 The Wise Woman Builds Her Home (Introduction) ~ 2 Meeting Our Basic Needs With Care (Physical) ~ 3 Our Home, Haven (Emotional) ~ 4 Our Closest Relationships (Relational) ~ 6 Fellow Sheep (Spiritual) ~ 7 Learning and Growing Together (Personal Growth) 

Kathryn Featherstone is a Gallup-Certified Strengths Coach and a board-certified Christian Life Coach, who helps people live and love well out of their strengths and their relationship with Christ. She’d like to encourage you in your journey! Write her a note or see her Coaching page.