If I were hungry, I would not tell thee: for the world is mine, and the fulness thereof. Psalm 50:12
When I was a youngster, our church began participating in a new stewardship program called the Forward Program of Church Finance. In this program they would give to the church budget in the coming year. Because my father was one of the reluctant ones about turning in his pledge, the pastor paid him a visit. Daddy had some questions about tithing that apparently sounded as if he were trying to get by with the least. The pastor replied with a tone of exasperation, "Lamar, don't try to treat God like the IRS."
That has stuck with me through the years. The amount of the gift is not the most important thing. Rather, it is the spirit in which it is given. I learned from my pastor and for myself that our giving can be joyful. However, it will continue to be painful until we stop figuring in terms of how much we must give and think instead of how much we may give.
Father, I acknowledge I am responsible to You for all You have allowed me to have.