I think this is well said by John Stott. Love for our neighbor is a critical motivation. But when the sacrifices become so great, and people begin to say “missions is not actually loving — go away,” it can be easy to say “are we sure it is really worth this?”
That’s why it is critical how Stott points out that there is an even more fundamental reason for missions than love for our neighbor, and which is indeed worth all possible sacrifice:
Here lies the supreme missionary motivation. It is neither obedience to the Great Commission, nor compassion for the lost, nor excitement over the gospel, but zeal (even “jealousy”) for the honor of Christ’s name….No incentive is stronger than the longing that Christ should be given the honor that is due his name.
(Quote from a recent newsletter by Global Training Network, which is well worth learning about and supporting.)