Where Does Our Giving End?

I used to tithe regularly. It was a privilege I had. I've always believed that God entrusted me with money and the ability to make money and as such, I obeyed His command of bringing the first fruits to the storehouse.

At the time, money was abundant and it was easy to tithe. Now, I don't tithe regularly because I am not a permanent member of any church. As for the money part, it's a lot less than what I used to make. 

I see the joy in other people when they are able to give to their brothers in need. And amazingly enough, in their abundance, they are able to share what they have with others. At first, I found their actions PURELY inspiring! I thought to myself I wanted to have more so that I could give more. 

And then it hit me. Abraham, of the Old Testament, waited patiently for his son Isaac to be born. And shortly after Isaac was born, God commanded Abraham to offer him as a sacrifice. Can you imagine what was going through Abraham's mind?  But Abraham obeyed nonetheless.  

This made me look back at the "better off" givers whom I have witnessed who mostly have more than enough money. Who mostly have a spare bedroom to offer or an extra car to lend. And mind you, most of them are pretty well off. 

And what of  the ones who have none?  Believe it or not, their the ones who give with all of their hearts. They would even forfeit what could be  rightfully theirs and invite other people to partake in it with them.  These people will willingly give whatever it is they can give.  

These are the people who truly know the basics of giving. What about us? What do we know about the basics of giving? Do we even know when our giving begins and why it ends!