Love is an emotion and more. Love is expressed in actions and words. Love is a verb and a noun. God is love. Jesus loves me. Jesus taught me to love by example with his sacrificial death, and by word with loving my neighbor like the Samaritan.
The Philippian congregation expressed their love for God and Paul by supporting Paul’s ministry (15,16). They practically showed deep concern for Paul’s troubles (14). Tithing to the church I attend is an expression of love for God, the pastors, and the entire congregation.
Tithing is a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God (18). God showed Adam and Eve the way of sacrifice by killing an innocent lamb to cover their shame when they sinned. Noah sacrificed after the flood. Abraham sacrificed. God taught Israel not only to sacrifice but how to sacrifice. Tithing is an acceptable sacrifice for the body of Christ.
Tithing isn’t always easy. Yet I can trust God when he says he will meet all my needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus (19).
