Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. – 2 Corinthians 9:6
Understanding Our Call to Missionary Support
We often find ourselves pondering what our responsibility is when it comes to supporting missionaries. The Bible calls us to reach out and help spread the gospel by giving to those on the front lines. Our contributions not only provide for their material needs but also encourage their mission and faith. This call is echoed throughout scripture, where God emphasizes His desire for us to support one another, especially those bringing His message to the world. By recognizing our part in fulfilling the Great Commission, we come to understand how vital our generosity is. Offering our resources reflects our faith and belief in God’s work through His messengers.
Philippians 4:15
Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only. – Philippians 4:15
2 Corinthians 9:7
Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. – 2 Corinthians 9:7
1 Timothy 6:18
Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. – 1 Timothy 6:18
Galatians 6:6
Nevertheless, the one who receives instruction in the word should share all good things with their instructor. – Galatians 6:6
Acts 20:35
In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” – Acts 20:35
The Blessing of Supporting God’s Workers
When we support missionaries, we are not just giving money; we are participating in the work God is doing around the world. We have the privilege of being part of something larger than ourselves. This blessing comes full circle, as the joy we find in giving encourages us and strengthens our faith. God calls us to show this generosity not just out of obligation but out of love. In doing so, we experience a deeper connection to His mission and a greater appreciation for the diverse ways He reaches His people. Let’s remember that our support resonates through generations, impacting lives we may never meet.
2 Corinthians 9:11
You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. – 2 Corinthians 9:11
Philippians 4:19
And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus. – Philippians 4:19
Matthew 6:21
For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. – Matthew 6:21
1 Corinthians 3:8
The one who plants and the one who waters have one purpose, and they will each be rewarded according to their own labor. – 1 Corinthians 3:8
Luke 12:33
Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will never fail, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. – Luke 12:33
Being Stewards of God’s Resources
As believers, we have a responsibility to manage what God has given us. Our finances are part of our stewardship, and how we allocate our resources matters to Him. We feel called to use our gifts, time, and money to support missionaries and their work. This giving isn’t just a transaction; it’s a testimony of our trust in God’s provision. By supporting missionaries, we are fulfilling the role of stewards, leading others towards Christ while also reflecting our faith in action. Let’s take this calling seriously and approach our giving with the mindset of serving God and His mission.
1 Peter 4:10
Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. – 1 Peter 4:10
Matthew 25:40
The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’ – Matthew 25:40
Luke 16:10
Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much. – Luke 16:10
Romans 12:13
Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality. – Romans 12:13
Proverbs 19:17
Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will repay him for his deed. – Proverbs 19:17
Your Generosity Matters
Each of us possesses unique resources and gifts, and God knows how we can best use them. In supporting missionaries, we are actively participating in the spread of the Gospel. Our contributions can have a profound impact, whether large or small. We don’t have to be rich to give; we just need to be willing. Through our generosity, we can help lift burdens and bring hope to people around the globe. Every act of giving plays a part in God’s plan, and He delights in our willingness to share with others. Let’s remember that our efforts can open doors for countless souls to hear about Christ while strengthening our own faith.
2 Corinthians 8:3
For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own. – 2 Corinthians 8:3
Proverbs 11:25
A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed. – Proverbs 11:25
James 1:17
Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. – James 1:17
Ecclesiastes 11:1
Ship your grain across the sea; after many days you may receive a return. – Ecclesiastes 11:1
Luke 6:38
Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. – Luke 6:38
The Importance of Regular Giving
When it comes to supporting missionaries, we understand the value of consistency. When we regularly provide financial assistance, it establishes a strong foundation for their work. This steady support allows them to focus on sharing the gospel without worrying about their financial situation. We learn the importance of being faithful in our giving. Regular contributions can mean the difference between success and failure in a mission. With each act of giving, we create a ripple effect that spreads God’s love and hope to many. Let’s commit to being consistent stewards in our financial support.
Malachi 3:10
Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it. – Malachi 3:10
2 Corinthians 8:12
For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what one does not have. – 2 Corinthians 8:12
Exodus 35:5
From what you have, take an offering for the Lord. Everyone who is willing to bring to the Lord an offering of gold, silver, and bronze. – Exodus 35:5
Acts 11:29
The disciples, as each one was able, decided to provide help for the brothers and sisters living in Judea. – Acts 11:29
1 Corinthians 16:2
On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with your income, so that when I come no collections will have to be made. – 1 Corinthians 16:2
Finding Joy in Giving
Giving to missionaries brings joy not just to those we support but also to us as givers. We experience the fulfillment that comes from being part of God’s work. When we share our resources, we are living out our faith, and there is so much joy tied to that. Our hearts are filled with gratitude as we witness how our contributions can change lives. The relationships we build through our giving deepen our understanding of God’s love for humanity. Let us always remember that our hearts can rejoice in the act of giving, reflecting the love God has for each of us.
Proverbs 22:9
The generous will themselves be blessed, for they share their food with the poor. – Proverbs 22:9
2 Corinthians 8:2
In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. – 2 Corinthians 8:2
Acts 20:32
Now I commit you to God and to the word of his grace, which can build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified. – Acts 20:32
Isaiah 58:10
And if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday. – Isaiah 58:10
Luke 14:14
And you will be blessed, although they cannot repay you, for you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous. – Luke 14:14
Final Thoughts
We learned that giving money to missionaries is about much more than just finances; it’s about being part of a greater mission to reach the world with the love of Jesus. Our contributions are vital in spreading the Gospel. By supporting those called to spread His word, we become partners in their mission. We have seen how our regular and generous giving reflects God’s heart for others. Through our support, we touch lives in ways we may never fully understand, yet will forever resonate in the Kingdom of God.
As we ponder on these truths, let us take steps to cultivate a spirit of generosity in our lives. Each dollar given, prayer offered, and encouragement extended plays a role in uplifting the work being done for Christ. It reminds us all that with every act of kindness, we can light up the world around us.
As we continue to grow in our faith, let us explore other topics such as God’s promises and forgiving debts as we deepen our understanding of living in line with God’s Word.