Sadly, not all the examples of giving in the Bible are good ones.  The unfortunate actions of Ananias and Sapphira, recorded in Acts 5, remind us that the mere act of giving is not enough.

Acts 5:1-4 (ESV)
¹  But a man named Ananias, with his wife Sapphira, sold a piece of property, ²  and with his wife’s knowledge he kept back for himself some of the proceeds and brought only a part of it and laid it at the apostles’ feet. ³  But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back for yourself part of the proceeds of the land? ⁴  While it remained unsold, did it not remain your own? And after it was sold, was it not at your disposal? Why is it that you have contrived this deed in your heart? You have not lied to man but to God.”

Peter was not asking Ananias these questions to garner a response, but rather, to provoke repentance on his behalf.  The “why” behind the actions of Ananias, as well as his wife, Sapphira, was obvious.  They were not of one heart and soul with the other brethren who were selling their property and laying the proceeds at the apostle’s feet.  Those Christians gave generously because of their love for their brethren (Acts 4:32-35).  Ananias and Sapphira were selfish, but they wanted everyone to think they were generous and that they loved the brethren.  Their giving was hypocritical.

What do we learn from the bad example of Ananias and Sapphira?  We learn that why we give is more important than how much we give.  If the reason for our giving is sincere, the amount will take care of itself.

Ananias and Sapphira were not obligated to give all the money they made from the selling of their property.  Peter reminded Ananias that while the proceeds from their property were still in their possession, they could do whatever they wanted to do with it (Acts 5:4).  They were obligated, however, to be honest about it.  The truth is, if they did not want to give to the cause in the first place, they should not have given anything.

2 Corinthians 9:7 (ESV)
⁷  Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

The word “reluctantly” comes from a Greek word that points to sadness or grief.  You should never feel grief for giving to the poor or to the cause of Christ.  Instead, you should feel a sense of joy and appreciation that God has given you the means to give.

Another thing you should never do is give out of a sense of obligation alone.  Yes, we are obligated to give to the Lord on the first day of the week (1 Corinthians 16:1-2), but our giving should be based on more than mere duty.  To give only under compulsion is to demonstrate that you have forgotten how good God has been to you.  The love that moved God to give His only Son for us, should cause us to want to give back to Him.

Avoid following the example of Ananias and Sapphira when you give.  Make sure that your giving is sincere, showing love for whoever, it is to whom you are giving.  If you are giving to the Lord, give cheerfully;  after all, the cause you are giving to is the greatest in the world.  If you are giving to help the poor, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing.  Give discreetly, and let your motivation be the love that you have for others.  This is the kind of giving that will be rewarded by God.

As you wind down for the night, think about these things.