Tithing is a fundamental principle in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It’s an act of faith, devotion, and commitment in supporting God’s work on the Earth. The basic law of tithing is to give one-tenth of one’s income into the Lord’s treasury (Doctrine and Covenants 119:4). The term itself comes from the Old English “teogotha,” meaning “tenth.”
Tithing is not viewed as a burden but a privilege. It’s a practical way for church members to put their faith into action, affirming that all we have belongs to God and we are merely stewards entrusted with His blessings. By living this commandment, we affirm our faith in divine promises. Malachi 3:10 states, “Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.”
This beautiful promise indicates that tithing opens the windows of heaven and invites divine blessings into our lives. However, the blessings of tithing are not only of a financial nature or merely material. Often, the sweetest fruits of tithing are spiritual. Members observe that paying tithing increases their faith, deepens their relationship with Heavenly Father, and engenders a spirit of love and generosity in their lives.
Further, tithing helps us to become more selfless, transforming our attitudes about money and possessions.
By giving generously, we turn our focus from our own wants to the needs of others, recognizing interdependence within the human family. In terms of how the funds are used, the church employs tithing funds to support various divine interests like constructing and maintaining meetinghouses and temples, supporting missionary work, translating and publishing church materials, providing education through church-sponsored schools, and contributing to humanitarian aid around the world. Importantly, tithing is an equalizing principle within the church.
Regardless of a person’s income level, all are asked to contribute the same percentage. This underlines the principle that the Lord values not the amount we give but the spirit and sacrifice in which it is given.
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Guest Author
Kurt Francom
