Question
Dear Gramps,
I would like to know if members who are disabled and on welfare have to pay tithing, and if so, how much. I need to know. Please give me an answer. Thank you and God bless you.
Sister Aubuchon
Dear Gramps,
Is it right that people on welfare or on disability should pay tithing? Pleases give an answer, I need to know. Thank you.
Sunshine Lady
Answer
Dear Sisters,
Tithing is a principle of the gospel in the same sense as all the other principles. Do you think it would be all right not to take the name of God in vain except when angry; or to honor one’s father and mother except when they treated you unfairly; or not to steal except when in need; or not to bear false witness except when it was to one’s advantage to hide the truth? Should we only pay tithing when we are affluent? Obedience to the word of God should be without exception, and when we obey the Father we are always and without exception blessed for our obedience.
There is a law, irrevocably decreed in heaven before the foundations of this world, upon which all blessings are predicated-And when we obtain any blessing from God, it is by obedience to that law upon which it is predicated. (D&C 130:20-21)
And behold, all that he requires of you is to keep his commandments; and he has promised you that if ye would keep his commandments ye should prosper in the land; and he never doth vary from that which he hath said; therefore, if ye do keep his commandments he doth bless you and prosper you. (Mosiah 2:22)
The blessings associated with the payment of tithing are specifically declared, and benefit particularly those who are in financial need.
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. And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, saith the Lord of hosts. (Malachi 3:10-11)
It doesn’t take extra money to pay tithing, it just takes extra faith. If we trust in the Lord and put ourselves in His care, exposing ourselves to His providence, He will provide for all our needs. He won’t promise that we will become rich, not because being poor in itself is a blessing; but how many of us who, if were amply endowed financially, would remember the Lord and would remain humble and be free with our bounty? There is a particular blessing promised to those who have the faith to be obedient to the Lord when such obedience represents a personal sacrifice.
For verily I say unto you, blessed is he that keepeth my commandments, whether in life or in death; and he that is faithful in tribulation, the reward of the same is greater in the kingdom of heaven. (D&C 58:2)
But the practical question is, How shall we survive, if we don’t have enough for the necessities of life, and yet pay our tithing? He who is a full tithe payer and who keeps the other commandments of the Lord has call upon the Lord’s storehouse for his sustenance. I would recommend that if you are in such need, that you put the payment of tithing at the top of your list of bills to pay each month. Take your tithing to your bishop, explain to him your circumstance, and as the Lord’s representative he will counsel you in how to manage your affairs, and will use the supplies that are at his disposition in the Lord’s storehouse for your benefit as he deems appropriate.
Gramps