“Put your money where your faith is”. Are you familiar with this phrase?

Essentially, it suggests that one of the ways the true measure of your commitment to your beliefs is reflected in how fervently you support financially— whether casually or whole-heartedly.

Consider a football game for instance. It is always easy to pinpoint which team someone supports during a match. You will notice the dedication, effort, and keen focus they invest in the game, to the extent that their joy skyrockets when their team nets a goal. Similarly, the idea of investing in what you believe in mirrors this sentiment, “for where your treasure is your heart would be also.”

As Christians, our faith centres on Christ, and prioritizing the spread of the gospel is essential. Thus, we must champion the spread of the gospel in our respective locations by teaching it and by financing it.

Our commitment to allocate our resources and support towards those dedicated to actively promoting the gospel, such as missions entrusted with the vital role of broadcasting the gospel across various regions of the world is also crucial.

2 Corinthians 8:1-5

English Standard Version

1 We want you to know, brothers, about the grace of God that has been given among the churches of Macedonia,

2 for in a severe test of affliction, their abundance of joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part.

3 For they gave according to their means, as I can testify, and beyond their means, of their own accord,

4 begging us earnestly for the favor of taking part in the relief of the saints—

5 and this, not as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then by the will of God to us.

This is amazing! The Bible bears record of the immense generosity of the churches in Macedonia. The Apostle Paul in his letter to the church in Corinth, was encouraging them to grow in their generosity and emulate the churches in Macedonia.

The churches in Macedonia even though they were poor, thrived abundantly in generosity than those in Corinth. They gave beyond their means to support the gospel. Regardless of their financial status, they begged to take part in the relief of the saints.

This is a prime example that every believer should aim to follow. Similar to the Macedonian churches, which were prepared to give everything they had, we too should adopt this culture of generosity. You must take to heart the spread of the gospel that you are always willing to spread it and give to it. You must also be intentional about giving to missions and missionaries- those who go around the word to preach Jesus.

The Bible is replete with people who gave resources for the work of God to prosper.

Romans 16:1 – 7, 12

New King James Version

1 I commend to you Phoebe our sister, who is a servant of the church in Cenchrea,

2 that you may receive her in the Lord in a manner worthy of the saints, and assist her in whatever business she has need of you; for indeed she has been a helper of many and of myself also.

3 Greet Priscilla and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus,

4 who risked their own necks for my life, to whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles.

5 Likewise greet the church that is in her house. Greet my beloved Epaenetus, who is the firstfruits of Achaia to Christ.

6 Greet Mary, who labored much for us.

7 Greet Andronicus and Junia, my countrymen and my fellow prisoners, who are of note among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me.

12 Greet Tryphena and Tryphosa, who have labored in the Lord. Greet Persis, who labored much in the Lord.

In his letter to the church in Rome, Paul took out time to mention a few people and how they had labored for the sake of the gospel. Some had given time and resources for the sake of this very gospel. In vs 4, the apostle mentions Priscilla and Aquilla who risked their necks for his life, and how they also made room in their home for other believers to come and fellowship (1 Corinthians 16:19). This shows the extent to which believers went to cater for their own for the work to move speedily.

Philippians 4:10-19

New King James Version

10 But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last your care for me has flourished again; though you surely did care, but you lacked opportunities.

11 Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content:

12 I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things, I have learned to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.

13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

14 Nevertheless you have you done well that you shared in my distress.

15 Now you Philippians know also that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church shared with me concerning giving and receiving but you only.

16 For even in Thessalonica you sent aid once and again for my necessities.

17 Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account.

18 Indeed I have all and abound. I am full, having received from Epaphroditus the things sent from you, a sweet-smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God.

19 And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

Paul encountered opposition from the Jews, which led to his imprisonment and at the time he appealed to Caesar, he was taken to Rome. The Philippian church heard of his imprisonment and sent Epaphroditus to Rome with a gift to provide for Paul’s needs. From the text we just read, we can see how supportive the Philippian church was of Paul’s missionary work. They prayed, they gave their time and gave their resources to cater for his needs. Verse 15-16 of the same text lets us know that while one-time gifts are great, the best practice for mission partnerships are ongoing finances and prayers.

It is the will of God that all men be saved. It is therefore very important for you to partner with God and those who are ready to take the gospel to the ends of the earth.

2 Corinthians 9:6-8

New King James Version

6 But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.

7 So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.

8 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work.

As believers, we should not wait until we are cajoled to give. There is an urgency to the spread of the gospel and for it to go far, resources are needed. The Bible says that God loves a cheerful giver (2 Corinthians 9:7), someone who gives out of his or her own volition without being compelled. You’ve been saved by this same gospel so why don’t you support it with everything you have?

Look at your environment, search for missions or missionaries around you, and give your support in any way that you can. Remember that this is the work of God, and the littlest support will go a long way in ensuring that the gospel reaches the hearts of many.

Prayer Point:

We pray for missions and missionaries who are risking their lives for the sake of the gospel, we pray that they are strengthened and kept safe to do the work that God has called them to do and that resources are provided in surplus for the work.