Supporting missionaries is a topic that resonates throughout the Bible. It highlights the importance of helping those who spread the message of faith and assisting them in their mission to reach others.
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What Does The Bible Say About Supporting Missionaries Financially
Philippians 4:15-16
“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; for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid more than once when I was in need.”
This verse highlights the importance of supporting missionaries financially. The Philippians demonstrated their commitment to the gospel by generously giving to support Paul’s ministry. Their financial aid was not a one-time occurrence but a continual act of giving, showing the significance of ongoing support for missionaries.
Supporting missionaries financially allows them to focus on spreading the gospel without the burden of financial concerns. It helps provide for their basic needs, enables them to travel and minister effectively, and makes it possible for them to impact more lives with the message of Christ.
3 John 1:5-8
“Dear friend, you are faithful in what you are doing for the brothers and sisters, even though they are strangers to you. They have told the church about your love. You will do well to send them on their way in a manner worthy of God. It was for the sake of the Name that they went out, receiving no help from the pagans. We ought therefore to show hospitality to such people so that we may work together for the truth.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of supporting missionaries as an act of hospitality and partnership in spreading the truth. The writer encourages the recipients of the letter to provide for the needs of missionaries who are strangers to them, acknowledging the value of their work for the sake of the Name.
Supporting missionaries financially is not simply an act of charity, but a means of working together for the truth. It demonstrates our commitment to the mission of God and our willingness to partner with those who have dedicated their lives to sharing the gospel. Through our financial support, we play an active role in advancing the Kingdom of God.
2 Corinthians 9:6-7
“Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 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.”
This verse emphasizes the principle of sowing and reaping in the context of giving. It encourages believers to give generously, knowing that God rewards those who give with a cheerful heart. When we support missionaries financially, we are sowing into the work of the Kingdom, and we can trust that God will bless our generosity.
Our giving should flow from a willing and joyful heart, not out of obligation or compulsion. When we give with a cheerful spirit, we align ourselves with God’s heart and His desire to bless both us and the missionaries we support.
Romans 10:14-15
“How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!'”
This verse highlights the necessity of sending out missionaries to proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ. Without missionaries being sent, there can be no preaching, and without preaching, people cannot hear and believe in Christ.
Supporting missionaries financially plays a vital role in sending them to places where people have not yet heard the gospel. By providing the means for them to go, we participate in fulfilling the great commission and making it possible for those who have not yet believed to hear the life-changing message of salvation.
Matthew 10:9-10
“Do not get any gold or silver or copper to take with you in your belts—no bag for the journey or extra shirt or sandals or a staff, for the worker is worth his keep.”
This verse speaks to the principle that those who engage in full-time ministry, including missionaries, should receive support for their basic needs. Jesus instructed His disciples not to worry about their physical provisions, as those who labor for the gospel are worthy of their keep.
Supporting missionaries financially enables them to focus on their ministry without distraction or concern for their material needs. It allows them to prioritize their work in sharing the gospel and making disciples, and alleviates the burden of having to provide for themselves while engaged in the mission field.
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.'”
This verse highlights the importance of helping the weak and the principle that giving brings greater blessing than receiving. As Christians, we are called to emulate Christ’s selflessness and sacrificial love.
Supporting missionaries financially is an opportunity to participate in the work of God, assisting those who are on the front lines of ministry. It allows us to align ourselves with the heart of Jesus, who gave His life for us, and experience the joy and fulfillment that comes from giving generously.
1 Corinthians 9:14
“In the same way, the Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should receive their living from the gospel.”
This verse affirms the biblical command that those who preach the gospel should be supported financially through their ministry. God has established this principle to ensure that His messengers are taken care of and can continue their work without distraction.
Supporting missionaries financially is not an optional act of goodwill but an integral part of fulfilling the Lord’s command. It enables missionaries to focus on their calling, knowing that their financial needs are being met, and allows them to effectively share the message of salvation with those who have not yet heard.
Galatians 6:6
“Nevertheless, the one who receives instruction in the word should share all good things with their instructor.”
This verse emphasizes the reciprocity in sharing and supporting those who provide spiritual instruction. When someone receives teaching and guidance in the word of God, they have the responsibility to share generously with those who have instructed them.
Supporting missionaries financially is a tangible way of reciprocating the spiritual investment we have received from them. By providing for their needs, we enable them to continue their ministry and pass on the blessings they have received to others who are in need of spiritual instruction and guidance.
1 Timothy 5:17-18
“The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching. For Scripture says, ‘Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain,’ and ‘The worker deserves his wages.'”
This verse emphasizes the importance of honoring and supporting those who labor in preaching and teaching within the church. Elders and ministers who faithfully carry out their responsibilities are worthy of double honor and deserving of financial support.
By financially supporting missionaries, we honor the work they do in spreading the gospel and recognize their dedication and sacrifice. It is a way to express our appreciation for their labor and contribute to the flourishing of the Kingdom as they continue to fulfill their calling.
Romans 15:24
“I hope to see you while passing through and to have you assist me on my journey there, after I have enjoyed your company for a while.”
Paul’s desire for the Romans to assist him on his missionary journey emphasizes the importance of practical support for missionaries. By providing assistance, whether financial or otherwise, we can actively contribute to the success of their mission.
Supporting missionaries financially enables them to fulfill their calling and bring the gospel to places in need. It allows us to be active participants in their journey and share in the joy of seeing lives transformed through their ministry.
2 Corinthians 8:4
“For they gave according to their means, as I can testify, and beyond their means, of their own accord”
This verse speaks to the sacrificial nature of giving. The Corinthians gave generously, even beyond their means, demonstrating their willingness to make sacrifices for the sake of the gospel.
Supporting missionaries financially may require sacrifice on our part, but it reflects our commitment and obedience to God’s calling. When we give beyond our means, we display our trust in God’s provision and our desire to support the spreading of His Word to all corners of the world.
John 3:16
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
This verse highlights the ultimate act of giving, where God gave His Son, Jesus Christ, out of love for the world. God’s sacrificial love sets an example for us to follow, inspiring us to give generously and selflessly.
Supporting missionaries financially aligns with God’s heart of love and His desire for all people to have the opportunity to receive eternal life through faith in Jesus. When we give, we reflect the love of God and participate in His redemptive mission to reconcile humanity to Himself.
Proverbs 11:24-25
“One person gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty. A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.”
This verse highlights the principle that generosity brings blessings and prosperity. When we give freely and generously, we not only meet the needs of others but also experience spiritual and material abundance in return.
Supporting missionaries financially is an opportunity to demonstrate our trust in God’s provision and experience the joy of seeing Him abundantly bless us. Our generosity allows us to participate in God’s economy, where giving leads to refreshing and prosperity.
Proverbs 19:17
“Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done.”
This verse highlights the connection between kindness towards the poor and lending to the Lord. When we support missionaries financially, we are extending kindness and lending to the Lord Himself.
God sees and recognizes our acts of generosity, and He promises to reward us for what we have done. By supporting missionaries and contributing to the advancement of His Kingdom, we position ourselves to receive God’s blessings and favor.
2 Corinthians 9:10-11
“Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. 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.”
This verse assures us that God supplies not only our own needs but also enables us to be generous towards others. When we support missionaries financially, God promises to increase our resources and enrich us in every way so that we can continue to give generously.
Through our generosity, others will witness God’s faithfulness and provision, leading to thanksgiving and praise to God. We become conduits of His blessings, both materially and spiritually, as we partner with Him in supporting missionaries and spreading the message of His grace.
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.”
This verse teaches the principle of giving and receiving. Jesus assures us that as we give, we will receive in abundance. The measure we use in giving will determine the measure of blessings we receive.
Supporting missionaries financially is an opportunity to participate in this principle. As we give generously to advance God’s Kingdom, we position ourselves to receive His abundant blessings poured out upon us.
Mark 12:41-44
“Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a few cents. Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, ‘Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on.'”
This story illustrates the value of sacrificial giving. The poor widow, though having little, gave everything she had, while others gave out of their abundance.
Supporting missionaries financially may require us to make sacrifices, but it is in our willingness to give sacrificially that we reveal our devotion to God and our commitment to advancing His Kingdom. God values the heart behind our giving more than the amount we give.
Matthew 6:19-21
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
This passage reminds us of the temporary nature of earthly possessions and encourages us to invest in eternal treasures. When we support missionaries financially, we are storing up treasures in heaven by investing in the work of God.
Our heart and priorities are revealed by where we place our treasure. By prioritizing the advancement of the Kingdom through our financial support, we align our hearts with the eternal purpose of God and participate in building treasures that will last for eternity.
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.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of giving with a cheerful heart and not out of obligation or pressure. Our giving should be a reflection of our personal decision and willingness to contribute.
Supporting missionaries financially should be a joyful act of obedience and a response to God’s love and generosity towards us. When we give with a cheerful spirit, we demonstrate our gratitude for God’s blessings and our desire to bless others in return.
Acts 4:32-35
“All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had. With great power, the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And God’s grace was so powerfully at work in them all that there were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned land or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales and put it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to anyone who had need.”
This passage describes the early believers’ practice of communal living and sharing their resources to meet the needs of fellow believers. They demonstrated radical generosity and sacrificial giving for the sake of the gospel.
Supporting missionaries financially reflects the spirit of communal sharing and selflessness seen in the early church. It challenges us to consider how we can use our resources to support the needs of missionaries and contribute to the work of God in reaching the lost and making disciples.
Matthew 28:19-20
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely, I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
These verses, known as the Great Commission, command believers to go and make disciples of all nations. It is a call to actively participate in the work of spreading the gospel and teaching others to follow Jesus.
Supporting missionaries financially is a tangible way to fulfill the Great Commission. By providing the necessary resources, we enable missionaries to go, baptize, teach, and make disciples. We play an integral role in fulfilling Jesus’ command and joining Him in His mission to reconcile the world to Himself.
Proverbs 14:21
“Whoever oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors God.”
This verse highlights the connection between our treatment of the poor and our relationship with God. When we support missionaries financially, we demonstrate kindness towards the needy and honor God through our actions.
Our generosity towards missionaries reflects our desire to mirror the compassion and love of our Maker. By showing kindness to the needy, we embody the values of God’s Kingdom and reflect His heart for the lost and broken.
Ephesians 4:28
“Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need.”
This verse encourages believers to work diligently and honestly, not only for their own provision but also with the intention of having something to share with those in need.
Supporting missionaries financially is an opportunity to practice the principle of diligent work and generosity. As we work and earn income, we can allocate a portion of it towards supporting those who are actively engaged in ministry and bringing hope to the needy.
1 Timothy 6:18
“Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share.”
Believers are called to be rich in good deeds, generous, and willing to share. This verse urges us to cultivate a lifestyle of generosity and seek opportunities to bless others.
Supporting missionaries financially is a practical way to live out this command. It enables us to be generous and share our resources with those who have dedicated their lives to spreading the gospel and bringing hope to the nations.