Giving until it hurts.

I thought before that giving until it hurts is the right way of giving.. like sacrificing.. But then again I would think, why would you do that when giving.. Isn't giving a joyful occasion? Why be sad when giving, isn't it pride after all? There's a Bible verse that says, the Lord is happy on the cheerful giver.. So I think it's better to give with a smile, from your heart.. Rather than be sad or hurt while giving.. Give with a joyful heart.. Smile!!!

you give because you want to give. it shouldn't hurt you. you can only give of what you have. it is better to give than receive, but only what you can give. if you don't have much you shouldn't give.

I think that giving in and of itself is such a self satisfying rewarding experience. I take exception to the statment that if you are not giving until it hurts that you are not giving at all. Giving anyone anything is such a selfless act of generosity that I don't believe that it should have to hurt. There's an old saying that "God helps those who help themselves." I don't think that it is appropriate to give that which you are responsible to give to your family.