Quite often children are motivated to draw pictures, pick flowers or even give rocks to their parents as an expression of their love.  Children don’t have any resources themselves and usually the flowers they pick are from their parents’ garden, the pictures are drawn on their parents’ stationery and gifts are purchased with their parents’ money.  However, good parents don’t dwell on these things.  They are aware that their child is trying to show appreciation in their own unique way.  A good parent sees the motivation behind a simple gift and proudly displays such little trophies so all who enter their home may see their child’s expressions of love.

God has told us to be childlike and there is no better way to be childlike than by giving.  When we are focused on God, like a loving child is focused on their parent, we will be motivated to give as an expression of our love. 
We should be delighted to give flowers and draw pictures for our Divine Parent (our spiritual giving and service).  But if we do it begrudgingly (because we feel we have to, or out of guilt), this simply shows we are not properly motivated.  Forced gifts bring no glory to God.  We should give with delight and cheer or not at all.  God always sees (and rewards) the motive behind the gift – never the gift itself.  For God, like all of us, loves a gracious giver.

You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.”

- 2 Corinthians 9:7