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The Law of Tithing

© Rebecca Talley

"Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings. 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." (Malachi 3:8,10)

As members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we believe in the law of tithing. We believe that the Lord has blessed us with all things, both spiritual and temporal, and all that he asks in return is a small portion with which to build up His kingdom.

" . . . those who have thus been tithed shall pay one-tenth of all their interest annually; and this shall be a standing law unto them forever, ...saith the Lord." (Doctrine and Covenants 119:4)

On a regular basis it is our privilege to donate 10% of our income as tithing. We may also donate additional funds to the humanitarian effort, general mission fund, general temple fund, fast offering fund, as well as other funds.

The Church has sent millions of dollars as aid to relieve countries suffering from natural disasters. Many members have been involved in tying quilts sent to refugees who have been evicted from their countries or are suffering the effects of war. Food, first aid items, blankets, clothing, and other non-perishables have been sent throughout the world to aid the humanitarian effort. Members of the Church may be directly involved in this effort or can donate to the humanitarian fund.

Normally, those who serve missions for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints finance their mission with personal savings. However, the general mission fund is available to help worthy members serve missions when personal finances do not permit full time service. Many missionaries have received aid from this fund. Donations may be made in a specific missionary's name or donated to the general fund to help missionaries all over the world.

Temples are being erected on every continent in an effort to make temple blessings available to all members of the Church. These temples are constructed using tithing and other donated funds.

Fast offerings are used to help those who have immediate needs to pay utility bills, grocery bills, and the like. Usually, fast offerings are used directly in the area in which the donations were received thereby benefiting people within one's own community. The Church's extensive welfare program is designed to help those in need get back on their feet.

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