It’s been a long journey, but I’ve finally published a book based on my writings and research. You can purchase on preorder until it goes live on April 1. I started writing in 2006! Whoah! That was a while ago. Talk about dragging my feet. I’ve called my book “Romantic Giving”. It may be a peculiar title for some of us, but I had two objectives in the book – to document my critique on the matter of tithing and then demonstrate what true generosity should look like.
Many books and resources are available that refute and argue against the tithe, but very few of those books describe how it was replaced. That’s why I’ve broken the book up into two parts. The first part is the topical study of tithing, the obligation to give a minimum of 10%, while the second part talks about how we can give in ways through the Holy Spirit to demonstrate how we love one another.
It’s a very challenging book to write because the style of writing between the two parts caters to different reading styles and audiences. The first part is for those looking for answers to tithing, while the second part is more about application and spiritual life growth. It’s not enough to talk about what isn’t right. We need to find ways to pivot to doing what’s right.
It’s a bit of a shift of where and how tithing.com came about. This site has been dedicated to the information gathering and sharing of the topic of tithing, while the book is a more balanced approach that also addresses Spirit-led giving.
Let’s get more into why it’s called Romantic Giving. I’ve found that there are four ways that people demonstrate their love for one another. Actions don’t express your love unless they are tied to one of these four expressions. They are spontaneity, sacrifice, creativity, and intimacy. If your actions are rooted in one of these four expressions, then you will make an impact on those you love.
The Bible defines these expressions as well in the form of assets God has given us. Mark 12:30-31 says, “Love the Lord your God with All your heart, soul, mind, strength.” God has given us a heart to express intimacy, a soul to express spontaneity, a mind to express creativity, and strength to express sacrifice.
Every time you’ve heard anyone call someone or something “romantic”, it is because they’ve demonstrated one of these four expressions of love. Moments of spontaneity, sacrifice, creativity, or intimacy are demonstrations that we love someone or feel loved by someone.
Think about a romantic time, gift, word, or deed you gave or experienced. Every time you felt or demonstrated your love during those moments, it was a direct correlation to one of the expressions. Whether it’s sitting at an exclusive candlelight dinner, purchasing that valuable gift for your parent or child, planning a captivating experience, or setting your sudden shyness aside to show your freewill desire to be with someone, these romantic expressions are universal languages to express our love.
Intrigued yet? Again, the book does work for two different types of readers. If you like the more thought-provoking, cerebral style or you want to study tithing, then the first part is for you. If you like the practical life application and growth, then the second half will be more likeable. Regardless, both sides of the book teach new and exciting concepts that you’ve never heard before.