The Joy of Missions: Sharing God’s Love Near and Far
“Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.” — Mark 16:15
There’s something beautiful about missions. It’s the heartbeat of God’s command to go, love, serve, and share the Good News. Whether across the globe or across the street, missions connect us to God’s heart in a unique way—because they’re not just about what we give, but what God does through us and in us.
Missions Are God’s Idea
Missions weren’t invented by the church; they were born in the heart of God. From the very beginning of Scripture, God’s mission has been to draw people to Himself and restore what was broken by sin.
In Genesis 12:1–3, God called Abraham and promised that “all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.” That wasn’t just about Abraham’s family—it was a declaration of God’s intent to bless the nations. Every page of the Bible after that reveals God’s heart for all people, in every place, to know Him.
When Jesus came, He lived out that mission perfectly. His ministry was mobile and relational—He crossed cultural barriers, spoke to outsiders, touched the untouchable, and sought the lost. Luke 19:10 sums it up: “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”
After His resurrection, Jesus handed the mission to His followers:
“Go and make disciples of all nations…” — Matthew 28:19
This wasn’t a suggestion—it was the assignment for every believer. Missions aren’t just a church program or an optional project for a few “special” Christians. They’re the way God designed His people to live: sent, intentional, and carrying His love wherever we go.
Even the final vision in Scripture points to the success of God’s mission:
“…a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne…” — Revelation 7:9
From Genesis to Revelation, the story is the same—God is on a mission, and He invites us to join Him.
Missions Are for Everyone
Not everyone will travel overseas, but everyone is called to be part of God’s mission. That might mean:
Supporting missionaries financially or through prayer.
Serving your community’s homeless shelter.
Volunteering in your church’s outreach events.
Hosting a meal for a new neighbor.
Your mission field might be thousands of miles away—or right where you are.
The Joy Missions Bring
Missions open our eyes. We see God’s power working in ways we might have missed in our daily routines. We hear stories of transformation, watch walls break down, and witness faith spring up in the most unexpected places.
And here’s the bonus: missions fill us with joy. There’s something deeply satisfying about giving yourself away for the sake of the Gospel.
Faith in Motion Through Missions
Missions are the ultimate “Faith in Motion” step—they move us out of comfort zones and into lives where faith becomes action. It’s not just about talking about God’s love; it’s about showing it in tangible, relational, and sacrificial ways.
Walk It Out
This week, pray about how you can be involved in God’s mission. It might be a donation, an encouraging note to a missionary, or volunteering at a local outreach event.
Love in Action
Do something intentional for someone outside your usual circle—invite them into your home, listen to their story, or offer practical help. You never know how one small act of love might open the door to the greatest story of all.
