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Tithing, a Commandment Even for the Poorest
One of the blessings of being a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the privilege of paying tithing. In the Bible, we read that God’s people obeyed the law of tithing in ancient times (see, for example, Deuteronomy 14:22–28; Leviticus 27:3–34). Through modern prophets, God restored this law again to bless His children (see Doctrine and Covenants 119).
It is such an important principle that the Lord has made sure that it is referenced in all the standard works, which contain powerful examples in which living the law of tithing brings blessings, both temporal and spiritual. The law of tithing is designed especially for those most in need, even though it may seem contradictory.
In the Old Testament, we discover that this law was established in the earliest years and that leaders and prophets were not exempt from living it. Even Abraham paid tithes of all he had (see Genesis 14:20). Likewise, Malachi taught about the law of tithing. He included a challenge from the Lord to prove Him by bringing our tithes to the storehouse and listed the blessings we may receive if we are faithful payers of a full tithe (see Malachi 3:8–12).
In 1 Kings, we read of the widow in Zarephath who lived in the days of the prophet Elijah, who represents this principle. Because of a drought, a famine became so severe that many people were on the verge of death. When the widow of Zarephath had nothing left but a handful of flour and a little oil—just as they were on the verge of starvation—the Lord commanded Elijah to go to Zarephath. Elijah called the widow as she was gathering sticks and asked her to give him something to eat, even before feeding her son. The prophet asked her to sacrifice her food and that of her hungry son and prepare the “first fruits” of her meal for him. However, at the same time, he promised that the jar of flour would not be scarce, nor the cruse of oil would diminish until the day the Lord sent rain again upon the earth (see 1 Kings 17:9–16).
During His visit to the Nephites, the Savior read the Father’s words concerning tithing in Malachi and explained them to all the people because those records had not been included in their records thus far (see 3 Nephi 24:10).
Similarly, in the Doctrine and Covenants, the Lord, through the Prophet Joseph Smith, again reiterated the truth of this divine law in our day, implying that our sacrifice is required at this time through the payment of our tithing (see Doctrine and Covenants 64:34).
President Dallin H. Oaks, First Counselor in the First Presidency, taught, “The law of tithing is not a remote Old Testament practice, but a commandment directly from our Savior to the people of our day.”
Elder Lynn G. Robbins of the Seventy taught: “Among those who do not sacrifice there are two expremes: one is the rich, gluttonous man who won’t and the other is the poor, destitute man who believes he can’t. But how can you ask someone who is starving to eat less? Is there a level of poverty so low that sacrifice should not be expected or a family so destitute that paying tithing should cease to be required? …
“… Faith isn’t tested so much when the cupboard is full as when it is bare. In these defining moments, the crisis doesn’t create one’s character—it reveals it. The crisis is the test.’”
I am truly grateful for the law of tithing and how it has been a blessing. I am grateful and amazed that the Lord has watched over and sustained us, even though He has not completely removed our burdens. I can testify to you with all the energy of my soul that these promises are real and available to all, especially the poorest. I know this because I have lived it, and I thank Heavenly Father for the privilege it gives me to have that assurance and make available to my family those marvelous blessings that are coupled with obedience to the law of tithing.