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I’ve had the opportunity to be a part of conversations that concern tithing and giving. I’ve found that this subject is one that deals solely with the heart.

On both sides of the aisle, I found people who are very passionate about their stance. Those who believe that believers are not required to tithe and give offerings are very much as passionate as the believers who believe they are.

The first thing that struck me was the fact that this conversation was taking place between people who believe and confess that Jesus Christ died and rose for the sins of mankind, that the Word of God is true and that God looks at the heart of man.

However, when asked what my stance was, I replied with questions of my own.

Is it fair to say that there is a level of expectation that when a person is in need that they feel that they can go to a ministry to receive help even if they are not a member of that ministry? Is it fair to say that there is a greater level of expectation that those who are members of a ministry can go to that ministry and receive help even if their attendance and involvement is inconsistent?

Let’s say all of this is true.

Where does the ministry get the means and money to help?

The government takes theirs even before we get ours and they take more than ten percent but the government doesn’t get hit with the scrutiny that the church does.

Banks make money off loaning our money to other people. They charge a higher percentage on loans than what they give us on our savings. Walk into a bank and request that they “give” you some money to pay your light bill and see what they tell you, especially if you are not a member.

Be careful, they might refer you to a ministry.

The next question I asked was, what do you think might happen if every believer tithe and gave as they are requested? Would ministries be in a better position to meet these expectations? Would the world feel the love of Christ?

Yes, Jesus fed 5,000 men plus women and children, but the little boy had a heart to give.

The means for ministry will never manifest if we don’t have a heart for giving. Give or not, it’s all about what’s in your hearts.

Oh, by the way, God knows your heart.

Demetrius Moffett is Senior Pastor of Orange Church of God-Embassy of Grace, 1911 North 16th Street in Orange.