What is more important, what we give or how we give?

There are several passages in scripture that answer that question.  The passage that I'd like to focus on today is from Acts.

Acts 5:1-10(NKJV)
1But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession. 
2And he kept back part of the proceeds, his wife also being aware of it, and brought a certain part and laid it at the apostles’ feet. 
3But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and keep back part of the price of the land for yourself? 
4While it remained, was it not your own? And after it was sold, was it not in your own control? Why have you conceived this thing in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God.”
5Then Ananias, hearing these words, fell down and breathed his last. So great fear came upon all those who heard these things. 
6And the young men arose and wrapped him up, carried him out, and buried him.
7Now it was about three hours later when his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. 
8And Peter answered her, “Tell me whether you sold the land for so much?” She said, “Yes, for so much.”
9Then Peter said to her, “How is it that you have agreed together to test the Spirit of the Lord? Look, the feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out.” 
10Then immediately she fell down at his feet and breathed her last. And the young men came in and found her dead, and carrying her out, buried her by her husband. 

God only requires one thing from us to be saved.  That we believe that Jesus is the Son of God, that He died for our sins, and that God raised Him up.  That's it.  Now is it a good idea to tithe?  I think it is.  Is it a good thing to give over and above your tithe?  Absolutely.

If God let's you know through the Holy Spirit that He needs something of yours, give it to Him cheerfully, or don't give it at all.  But what ever you do, don't try to lie to God and convince Him that you don't have what He is asking for.  He knows you do and He wouldn't ask you for it unless it was necessary.

As Peter says "4While it remained, was it not your own? And after it was sold, was it not in your own control? Why have you conceived this thing in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God.”

So the next time you feel God telling you that He needs something from you, give it to Him with joy or don't.  But if you don't, then at least be honest with yourself and God and admit that you have it, you're just not willing to give it up to God.  But don't try to pull the wool over His eyes.  From what I read above, He doesn’t much care for that!