The Law of Tithing
Teachings of Howard W. Hunter - Lesson 9
Doctrine:
“The payment of tithing strengthens faith, increases spirituality and spiritual capacity, and solidifies testimony.”
The law [of tithing] is simply stated as “one-tenth of all their interest” (D&C 119:4). Interest means profit, compensation, increase. It is the wage of one employed, the profit from the operation of a business, the increase of one who grows or produces, or the income to a person from any other source. The Lord said it is a standing law “forever” as it has been in the past.
Like all of the Lord’s commandments and laws, [the law of tithing] is simple if we have a little faith. The Lord said in effect, “Take out the decimal point and move it over one place.” That is the law of tithing. It’s just that simple.
Invitation to Action:
Pay an honest tithing. This eternal law, revealed by the Lord and practiced by the faithful from the ancient prophets down to the present, teaches us to put the Lord first in our lives. We may not be asked to sacrifice our homes or our lives, as was the case with the early Saints. We are challenged today to overcome our selfishness. We pay tithing because we love the Lord, not because we have the means to do so. We can expect that the Lord will open “the windows of heaven” (Malachi 3:10) and shower down blessings upon the faithful.
Promised Blessings:
If we pay our tithes because of our love for the Lord, in complete freedom and faith, we narrow our distance from him and our relationship to him becomes intimate. We are released from the bondage of legalism, and we are touched by the spirit and feel a oneness with God.
The payment of tithing strengthens faith, increases spirituality and spiritual capacity, and solidifies testimony. It gives the satisfaction of knowing one is complying with the will of the Lord. It brings the blessings that come from sharing with others through the purposes for which tithing is used. We cannot afford to deny ourselves these blessings. We cannot afford not to pay our tithing. We have a definite relationship to the future as well as to the present. What we give, and how we give, and the way we meet our obligations to the Lord has eternal significance.
Read, study, or listen to the lesson here:
What the Church Teaches about Tithing:
(from LDS.org)
Henry B. Eyring, “The Blessings of Tithing,” Liahona, June 2011
There are at least three ways that paying a full tithe in this life prepares us to feel what we need to feel to receive the gift of eternal life.
Jeffrey R. Holland, “Like a Watered Garden,” Liahona, Jan. 2002
We should pay [tithes and offerings] as a personal expression of love to a generous and merciful Father in Heaven.
Robert D. Hales, “Tithing: A Test of Faith with Eternal Blessings,” Liahona, Nov. 2002
Pay your tithing. Unlock the windows of heaven. You will be abundantly blessed for your obedience and faithfulness to the Lord’s laws and commandments.
Earl C. Tingey, “The Law of Tithing,” Liahona, July 2002
The Lord has established the law of tithing as the law of revenue of His Church.
Chapter 32: “Tithes and Offerings,” Gospel Principles
We have been given commandments to help us prepare in every way to live in the presence of our Heavenly Father. He has given us a way to thank Him for our blessings. Willingly paying tithes and offerings is one way we thank Him.
Chapter 19: “Temporal Blessings and the Law of Tithing,” Teachings of Presidents of the Church: John Taylor
[The law of tithing] is a test to the people of God, or for us who profess to be, that we may know whether people will observe a certain specific law given by the Almighty or not, and thus have a proof of their fidelity and obedience.
Chapter 22: “Tithing and Consecration,” Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Brigham Young
Paying tithing allows us to participate in the Lord’s work by returning a portion of that which belongs to Him.
Chapter 31: “Obedience to the Law of Tithing,” Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph F. Smith
God requires one-tenth of our increase to be put into His storehouse; and this is given as a standing law to all of the Stakes of Zion. By this principle (tithing) the loyalty of the people of this Church shall be put to the test.
James E. Faust, “Come Listen to a Prophet’s Voice: Opening the Windows of Heaven,” Liahona, Sept. 2002
Tithing is a principle of sacrifice and a key to opening the windows of heaven.
Sheldon F. Child, “The Best Investment,” Liahona, May 2008
If you always pay an honest tithing, the Lord will bless you. It will be the best investment you will ever make.
Yoshihiko Kikuchi, “Will a Man Rob God?” Liahona, May 2007
When you and I pay honest, true tithes to the Lord, the Lord will open the windows of heaven.
Carl B. Pratt, “The Lord’s Richest Blessings,” Liahona, May 2011
As we pay our tithing faithfully, the Lord will open the windows of heaven and pour out upon us His richest blessings.
H. Bryan Richards, “The Windows of Heaven,” Liahona, Apr. 2007
I know that Sister Richards and I received many blessings as a result of paying tithing. I have also witnessed the overflow of blessings that have come to faithful Latter-day Saints in remote parts of the world because they were willing to pay tithing.
Stanley G. Ellis, “No One Will Ever Know,” Liahona, Feb. 2009
I learned that we are going to be tested from all sides. Some of the most difficult challenges are internal ones, in the quiet of our own hearts and minds.
Lynn G. Robbins, “Tithing—a Commandment Even for the Destitute,” Liahona, June 2010
Genuine sacrifice has been a hallmark of the faithful from the beginning.
Jorge Luis del Castillo, “Lessons from the Old Testament: My Father’s Last Words,” Liahona, Dec. 2006
The law of tithing is a great blessing to our family. I have learned that the Lord does not need my tithing; rather, I am the one who needs the blessings that come from obeying this law.
Lesson Schedule:
In 2016 we will be studying the teachings of President Howard W. Hunter
May 15th - Howard W. Hunter lesson 10
May 22nd - Teaching for Our Time
May 29th - Bishops Choice
The new manual can be found here:
