The Law of Tithing

[japacific]

Who signed the cheque?

[skalenfehl]

japacific, you've been rather antagonistic in a thread that is devoted to uplifting and sharing testimonies. Would you consider starting another topic discussing the issues that you have with tithing so that we can objectively address them? Your quick comments and questions only serve to detract from the spirit and intent of this topic and are unwarranted. Thanks.

[miztrniceguy]

another recent instance.... my wife recently participated in an online cross-stiching show for wholesalers. it cost about 150 for her to register. i noticed that she had also recently sent a tithing check for about $350. she had a little over $500 in orders. $500 orders minus $150 cost = $350 profit....coincidence? i think not.

[japacific]

Ok sure no problem.

[MaidservantX]

It is difficult for me to put into words my love for the law of tithing. I don't know if I have an I-paid-tithing-then-such-and-such-happened story. Rather, my entire life has been a whole tapestry of material and spiritual protection for myself and my children and I attribute a great deal of that to my obedience to the law of tithing and the law of the fast (including an offering) and to the law of keeping the Sabbath holy. I have paid my tithing 100 percent of the time ever since I have been a child. It is a joy. I do not feel like I am giving it away at all, because this is MY fold. I belong to the body of Christ. All of its bounty I may enjoy and giving back 10 percent, or giving my all (consecration) is a privilege and an 'of course' thing for me.

I actually had an easier time paying tithing when we were dirt poor. Lately, now that I have more financial resources, I have had to come to a new level in my faith and make sure that I have the attitude -- and action -- that I am giving to the Lord first before I used my money for anything else.

I can easily say that I have received much more -- even monetarily speaking -- from the Church (my ward), from generous family and friends and even strangers, and from the Lord's serendipitous providence than I have ever paid in tithes and offerings. I consider the greatest blessings I have received, however, to be spiritual protection for myself and especially my children, which I feel that I need for some very concrete reasons. I feel that the fact that the Adversary is bound a great deal in my life and the lives of my children is directly to related to my living the law of tithing.

I can not express to you the spirit that exists in the bishop's office after myself and each of my children declare ourselves full tithe payers; and then the bishop kneels with my family and intercedes with the Lord and asks that the windows of heaven be opened for us, that there will not be room to receive it. There is great faith that conceives in my heart from these experiences. It brings me to ask of my Father great miracles and blessings -- some that I barely dare ask -- and yet I know He has heard and will give.

Thank you for this thread Palerider.

[VisionOfLehi]

I know I get the blessing of the knowledge that I've been obedient to the Lord.

I know people think often of the financial blessings that they receive...

But for me, I've not had to worry about it yet. I've just always felt great, knowing that I actually did what the Lord told me to. Being aware of my obedience to one of the Laws just plum makes me feel good.

I count that a good a blessing as any.

[YellowLight]

I was BiC and served a mission and even got married in the Temple. However, I have to say...being the devil's advocate here, that my wife and I have not paid any tithing for the last year. That being said...we have received what others would perceive to be blessings. New job opportunities have opened up and we have taken a significant amount to what we would have paid in tithing to other charitable organizations. Maybe God still loves me...

[MaidservantX]

Maybe God still loves me...

I think you can count on that He does. :)

[lilered]

I was BiC and served a mission and even got married in the Temple. However, I have to say...being the devil's advocate here, that my wife and I have not paid any tithing for the last year. That being said...we have received what others would perceive to be blessings. New job opportunities have opened up and we have taken a significant amount to what we would have paid in tithing to other charitable organizations. Maybe God still loves me...

However, what you have missed is the additional blessings that God would have blessed you with, if you obeyed the commandment of tithing.

[MaidservantX]

(Reiteration: This is a testimony thread. Not an in/out, up/down, pros/cons, or even explanation thread -- and I'm reminding myself here too. If that type of thread is wanted at this time -- start a new one.)

[Palerider]

When I reflect back over the years I served as a Bishop, I often think of a few couples that came in and expressed they were having a difficult time finacially. They also stated that they were going to stop paying tithing. I was always sad when I heard this. Just for alot of reasons, of which I won't go into. After listening to them I always offered help. What I would offer was this.....I said to let me put food on their table and in return they could keep paying tithes. I would offer to do this for so many months. You know I never had anyone take me up on that offer. What I mean by putting food on their table was obtaining food from the Bishop's storehouse.

This always made me wonder if they already had their minds made up.

[MobyMule]

When I reflect back over the years I served as a Bishop, I often think of a few couples that came in and expressed they were having a difficult time finacially. They also stated that they were going to stop paying tithing. I was always sad when I heard this. Just for alot of reasons, of which I won't go into. After listening to them I always offered help. What I would offer was this.....I said to let me put food on their table and in return they could keep paying tithes. I would offer to do this for so many months. You know I never had anyone take me up on that offer. What I mean by putting food on their table was obtaining food from the Bishop's storehouse.

This always made me wonder if they already had their minds made up.

People are too prideful now especially in the United States. They are afraid of looking weak than obeying the commandments. Or I should say they are afraid that others will think they haven't been living the commandments because the needed help. I know what you mean Palerider it baffles me as well to provide a way for them to live a commandment and still have their needs met but they will not take it.

[Palerider]

People are too prideful now especially in the United States. They are afraid of looking weak than obeying the commandments. Or I should say they are afraid that others will think they haven't been living the commandments because the needed help. I know what you mean Palerider it baffles me as well to provide a way for them to live a commandment and still have their needs met but they will not take it.

I agree

[Traveler]

Tithing is not about money though many think it so. I cannot express to this forum how the windows have been open and what great things have been and that I have been part.

My wife and I were once trying to figure out our tithing through a business that had lost money and another that was doing very well. Though the government allows deduction we decided to have a different attitude with tithing. Some say tithing is on our increase - how then, do we tithe our health, our friends, our children and grand children and those that serve us as well as those we serve.

I am glad and rejoice in the opportunity to give back a little. Even if I never recieved any good thing ever again I could not repay the blessings that have already fallen all around me.

I believe that a person is that loves the L-rd will with joy and gladness give tithes and offerings - even if it is their last penny.

I can understand difficulty - we all experience such things but what I do not understand is someone that does not believe, love or trust the L-rd to offer what-ever they can in tithes and offerings.

The Traveler

[Palerider]

Thanks Traveler.....this is why I started this thread.....I wanted to hear everyones opinion on this subject.

[lilered]

I totally agree concerning Tithing isn't really about the money.

Obediance and Faith and that's as we say - separates the payers from the non-payers IMHO. :^)

[Iggy]

When I became active again in the Church, I was still married and my then husband would not allow me to pay tithing.

I left him a year later, and rejoiced that NOW I could pay tithing. I went over my expenses and my income and dang- if I didn't buy any food I could pay tithing. So off to my Branch President I went and we both went over my expenses. I told him that I would discontinue my internet, that would give me an extra $14.00 a month. He told me to keep it, I was doing too much genealogy to be without that needed resource.

He (the Church) would put food on my table. I made dinners for the Sister Missionaries every week, I baked bread and took loaves to the single, all alone neighbors in the park where I was living, I did okay with the food that I got through the Bishops Storehouse. Learned to make Cream of Broccoli soup with all the fresh broccoli I got.

Within 4 months I had gotten a raise and promotion at work. I no longer needed the Church's help with food.

4 years ago I remarried and moved to Arizona. Took me a year to find a job, but in that year husband and I paid tithing. Then husband decided not to pay tithing. He said things were tight and we needed the money more.

I am torn- husband told me that we would start paying tithing once things settled with his family. It has settled, but we are not paying tithing.

We have more than enough money. I just got a bonus at work, husband got a raise. We paid off a credit card, so that debt is gone.

The blessings from paying an HONEST tithe, WILLINGLY AND JOYFULLY have been withheld from us.

Spiritually we are cast adrift. I feel contention and anger against my husband. He doesn't help me around the house. Quite frankly I am fed up with picking up after him. He no longer makes any attempt to help with any of the housework, other than taking the trash out to the gate to get picked up on trash day. We are short tempered with each other. He blames our meds- I say it is from not paying tithing, and praying, and reading the scriptures.

He is short and snappish and snarky with me. Sometimes I would just like to slap him up along side the head!

My heart is so heavy because I have lost my Temple Recommend due to our not paying taxes. I struggle with blaming my husband, yet I am a consenting adult - I work- I should have paid tithing on my own wages.

I was not very happy with the way he paid tithing in the first place. He has money for his 401 taken out of his wages, and he was only paying tithing on the amount after taxes. Well, I don't figure it that way- I pay on the gross- before deductions.

Most of the posters have testified of monetary blessings- I have had those too - from paying an honest tithe.

I want to testify to all of you of the spiritual loss you will encounter from not paying your tithes. I am going through it right now and it is causing me to be physically ill. I can't eat much- all that will stay down is small servings of cottage cheese, milk and soda crackers. Oh,turkey sandwiches with nothing more than lettuce with it.

I am sick at heart because if husband doesn't repent and and I don't repent too, and we both begin paying our tithes we will not be together in the Eternities.

I am sick at heart with the contention, arguing, snapping and snarking at each other. I know what needs to be done- Figure my tithing from the beginning of the year and get it paid, then pay it every payday like I have from the get go.

I am sick at heart with the loss of the Holy Ghost- I feel Him there on the perimeter of my existence- waiting for me to straighten up and walk the right path, think the right thoughts, do the right, Choose The Right, and to humble myself and ask for Him to come back into my heart.

The blessings that God will pour down on you for paying your tithes is much much more that monetary or temporal. They are spiritual and to me those are so very important!

Fire insurance indeed! Yes it is fire insurance. Keeps the fires of contention away!!!

[MaidservantX]

Iggy, thanks for sharing that. That was probably very hard. I am sending supporting thoughts for you that you will find spiritual courage to find your way through this time of learning for you. :)

[Palerider]

As I stated earlier....you cannot gain a testimony of tithing or the word of wisdom...unless you live them....:)

[Iggy]

As I stated earlier....you cannot gain a testimony of tithing or the word of wisdom...unless you live them....:)

Or live them and then stop living them- sort of like you can't know what pain feels like until you have a pain. Then you really appreciate it when the pain is gone.

Example: I didn't know that my jaw ached until I had a tooth removed- I used to have two teeth too many on top, when the two extra were removed I suddenly felt so good- Pain Free! What a shock to me.

[lilered]

Iggy - I can feel your anguish, please consider repenting and start paying tithing again. Pretty Please.

[Traveler]

Iggy: I would like to talk to you about the grace and love of G-d towards you and your husband. Tithing is not a test or challenge as much as it is a means to blessing. I will start with a short story. While I was serving a mission (North Western States – USA) I came upon a boy in high school. He was very poor. His mother had died when he was small and his father was a hopeless and abusive alcoholic. He left home about two years before I met him. He lived in what was worse that a one room prison cell. He worked for minimum wage at a small family grocery store (owed by LDS members , not well to do – which is why I met him). He was only a junior in high school and had been on his own for 2 years. His cloths were all given to him or found in the garbage he was in every sense of the word struggling. He avoided the state because of abuses in foster care.

This young man embraced the teaching of the LDS church but felt he could not covenant to pay tithing. In our discussion I asked a simple question. “Would you rather spend a dollar on your own or 90 cents with the L-rd’s help?” He decided to covenant with the L-rd for tithing. This young man was able to finish high school, pay for his mission, obtain graduate degrees and only received less than one year of financial assistance from anywhere (church and government).

Now my point – do not attempt to burden yourself more than is necessary. G-d in his mercy does not even want such a thing. But decide now – today to covenant concerning tithing. Forget about your past, don’t at this time, attempt to make up your tithing for the whole year – just from now on. Should things change you may consider other things but understand G-d does not want your money. He wants your love and joy. Do not make tithing a burden (do not run faster than is necessary) but make tithing a covenant. You cannot make up for lost blessings. The time past has past and those blessings are lost but the greater blessings looking forward are before you. This is part of the principle of repentance and the atonement of Christ. You can repent of the past and covenant with G-d moving forward. You can from this moment pay your tithing and be a Saint in the house hold of G-d. It does not require that you change the past – just put it behind you. And I for one have been uplifted by your heart – your story is a joy to me.

The Traveler