In Relation To Giving

So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.
2 Corinthians 9:7 NKJV

We've all heard the phrase "Give until it hurts" either from the pulpit or from another christian friend.  To me, this idea misrepresents what Paul was trying to get across in 2 Corinthians 2:7.  If we give because we are "made" or guilted into giving, won't this bring resentment in the giver?  The true heart of a person is shown when they give of what they have without being asked.  In Mark 12:41-44 Jesus gave a powerful lesson on giving.

Now Jesus sat opposite the treasury and saw how people put money into the treasury.  And many who were rich put in much.  Then one poor widow came and threw in two mites, which make a quadrans.  So he called his disciples to Himself and said to them, "Assuredly, I say to you that this poor widow has put in more than all those who have given to the treasury; for they all put in out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all that she had, her whole livlihood."
Mark 12: 41-44 NKJV

Now, if anyone knew the true heart of a giver when he saw it, it was our Lord Jesus.  If we agree that God loves a cheerful giver, which of these did God treasure?  Granted, we're not told if the rich gave out of compulsion, but they didn't give all that they had either.  They certainly didn't "Give till it hurt."
I believe that the much used (and abused) scripture in Malachi 3:10 has been misrepresented by many of us today, although it doesn't surprise me at all.  To put this into context, we need to remember that the priestly order of the Isrealites, the tribe of Levi, were not allowed to be employed, but were to minister to the people of Isreal.  So, without income gained from employment, how were the priests of the nation of Isreal to survive?  THAT'S where the tithe comes in.  The Isrealites were to bring their tithes to the storehouses in order to support the priests of Isreal.  Well, apparently in the days of Malachi the prophet, Isreal wasn't doing too good at this.

"Will a man rob God?  Yet you have robbed me!  But you say, 'In what way have we robbed you?'  In tithes and offerings.  You are cursed with a curse, For you have robbed me, Even this whole nation.  Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, That there may be food in my house, And try me now in this,"  Says the Lord of hosts, "If I will not open the windows of heaven and pour out for you such blessing that there will not be room enough to receive it.
Malachi 3: 8-10 NKJV

Robbing God?  That's a pretty strong accusation!  However, if it's God saying they were robbing him, it's not a accusation but the truth.  Yet, even in rebuking the Isrealites, God shows his love and grace by instructing them to give and they will be blessed.  Once again, Gods grace is shown to all of Isreal.  Now, since the tithe was given to support the priests of the land of Isreal, are we to tithe today to support our local pastors and churches?  Well, since the Tithe Malachi was refering to was a part of the "Old Covenant," I'd say no.  First off, the Isrealites didn't have multi million dollar "Mega Churches" that needed to be financialy supported.  I know this opinion may not be popular, but I'm not about being popular.  Given the choice of following Jesus or being popular, I'll follow Jesus every time.  That is the reason I get irked every time I hear a pastor say "Give until it hurts and you'll be blessed."  I know in my heart that the blessings of my God are not for sale!

~Scott~