Donner est un acte de culte

février 24th, 2026

Philippians 4:14-23.

“Here, take this.” The older lady in the small church pressed some money into my hand.

I was a new missionary, and we could have used some extra cash. Our toddlers needed new shoes, and in the coming weeks we would need to buy a plane ticket to visit an ailing grandparent. Yet, my pride wouldn’t allow me to accept the gift.

“No, no,” I replied. “I could never do that,” and I gently pushed the money away.

Her eyes bore into me. “Young man, if you don’t let me hand this to you, you’re denying me the blessing of giving. This is one way I worship God!”

The apostle Paul had a high theology and a deep appreciation for giving. The offerings collected and gifts sent through his fellow worker, Epaphroditus, were like a sweet-smelling offering from the Philippians, pleasing to God.

How many times have we viewed giving as a mere obligation or command? How often do we intentionally seek out ways to be joyfully generous, viewing it truly as an act of worship to God?

I opened my hand up and accepted the bills from this saint of the church. It wasn’t much, but I treasured them greatly. After all, I could almost smell the fragrance of sacrifice with which they were given.

Author: Scott Armstrong