Digital Only: Come, Follow Me
When We Don’t Understand Commandments
Some commandments that might not make sense to us are actually signs of God’s love for us.
Have you ever heard someone say that commandments are “just a bunch of rules”?
Of course, that’s an oversimplification. Sometimes we may not understand why God gives commandments, or what their purpose may be. But what we do understand is that God is our loving Heavenly Father. And if He loves us perfectly (which He does!), He will give us commandments only out of love and concern for us.
Let’s look at two examples of how God shows His love through His commandments.
The Word of Wisdom
The Word of Wisdom has some specific guidelines, for instance the instruction to not drink coffee, alcohol, or tea. But the revelation doesn’t contain a list of every harmful substance. It was given as a “principle with a promise” (Doctrine and Covenants 89:3).
What this revelation shows us is that Heavenly Father loves us and cares about every aspect of our lives. That includes our spiritual and physical well-being.
Consider the blessings God has promised those who strive to keep the Word of Wisdom:
“[They] shall receive health in their navel and marrow to their bones;
“And shall find wisdom and great treasures of knowledge, even hidden treasures;
“And shall run and not be weary, and shall walk and not faint.
“And I, the Lord, give unto them a promise, that the destroying angel shall pass by them, as the children of Israel, and not slay them” (Doctrine and Covenants 89:18–21).
These blessings far outweigh the sacrifices we make to keep the Word of Wisdom. While following the commandments is not always easy, Heavenly Father will always remember our sacrifices and, in His own time, show us that they are worth it.
The Law of Tithing
“Why does God need my money?” some might ask. The reality is that God doesn’t need money—but He does want His children to draw closer to Him by keeping His commandments. The Lord’s Church also needs ways to help bring the gospel of Jesus Christ to the whole world. Tithing and other offerings are used for many things in supporting the Lord’s work, including:
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Building and maintaining temples, meetinghouses, and other Church buildings.
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Supporting the activities and operations of the Church and its local congregations.
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Sharing the gospel throughout the world.
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Supporting the programs of the Church, such as education and family history.
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Providing food, shelter, and other necessities to people in need.
Tithing is a way for us to show gratitude to Heavenly Father for giving us a way to provide for ourselves and our families. At the same time, when we pay tithing, we are helping God show His love for His children around the world. We are helping to gather Israel!
President Russell M. Nelson once recounted a story of when he started paying tithing after a period of not paying it. He taught:
“Was the Church any different because we increased our tithing? Of course not. However, becoming a full-tithe payer changed me. That is when I learned that paying tithing is all about faith, not money. As I became a full-tithe payer, the windows of heaven began to open for me. …
“Paying tithing requires faith, and it also builds faith in God and His Beloved Son.”
“Because You Love Me!”
Sister Carole M. Stevens, a former First Counselor in the Relief Society General Presidency, once remembered a story about her granddaughter Chloe. While Sister Stevens was driving, Chloe kept unbuckling her seatbelt and standing up in the car.
After several attempts to convince Chloe to stay sitting down with her seatbelt buckled, Sister Stevens received an impression to teach Chloe that she needed her seatbelt to be safe and avoid getting hurt. After a moment, Chloe realized: “Grandma, you want me to wear my seat belt because you love me!”
Heavenly Father is eager to care for us and help us. He wants to give us every opportunity to be spiritually and physically safe. His commandments are not restrictive rules—they are opportunities to receive promised blessings and show our love for Him.