God does not expect anyone to give beyond their ability. On the other hand, God does expect us to give to His work. When we do give, we are in fact giving the fruit of our own labour, the sweat of our brow. It I the results of hard work that we give when we make a cash offering to God.

Look at 2 Cor. 8:1-5 (NIV)

“…they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, ⁴ they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the Lord’s people. ⁵ And they exceeded our expectations: They gave themselves first of all to the Lord, and then by the will of God also to us.”

When dealing with God, our gifts need to be beyond merely money. We need to give ourselves to God. And when we do, we’ll find even greater joy in giving some of our possessions to Him.

Give as you are able, but first, give yourself.

(Taken from Godly Motives For Giving by Cal Bombay [out of print]).