It is more blessed to give!
In Romans 15:24, we see the missionary heart of the Apostle Paul in his longing to see the believers in Rome and then continue on to other regions with the gospel. “I hope to see you in passing as I go to Spain, and to be helped on my journey there by you, once I have enjoyed your company for a while.”
Extra-biblical sources tell us Paul never made it to Spain, but was most likely martyred in Rome itself. Yet this verse gives us a glimpse of his heart. He desired to encourage the church in Rome and then receive support from them as he journeyed towards Spain, continuing to plant churches and declare the gospel.
One of the great joys of the believer is to be involved in Christ’s mission to the world to reach all nations with the gospel. Jesus Himself reminded us, “It is more blessed to give than receive.” (Acts 20:35) And the world blessed here can also be translated as a sense of well-being or contentment found in God alone. God has designed us to find our greatest purpose and fulfillment in life as we give, serve and join Him to love the world in His name. One of the ways we can do that is to be involved in some way in cross cultural missions.
