Question
Dear Gramps,
I have no source of income for the last four years. Over the last 9 months I charged over $7,668 on credit cards. I racked up this debt on prescriptions, food and gas. After reading the word and praying, I was lead to take 10k of my IRA to pay off this debt. I really felt like a slave to the borrower and it was overwhelming me. The amount I will receive after taxes is $7,443. Should I tithe 10% of this money? I still have no source of income right now but I faithfully paid my tithe when I did have an income. I now give offerings of thanksgiving or sacrifice if someone gives me any money. I look forward to your response. I love to give unto the Lord and am leaning toward giving him 10% but I just need to understand the right thing to do. MY desire is to hear “well done thou good and faithful servant, come on in.”
Cece
Answer
Hello Cece,
The Church handbook specifies this regarding tithing:
“The simplest statement we know of is the statement of the Lord himself, namely, that the members of the Church should pay one-tenth of all their interest annually,’ which is understood to mean income. No one is justified in making any other statement than this.”
Whether or not you pay tithing on the amount you receive after taxes is your personal decision, and it is between you and the Lord. If you feel you should, then follow your heart.
If we want to hear “well done thou good and faithful servant” then as individuals we must keep the commandments of God. As for me, it is better to pay and potentially be wrong, than to not pay and find yourself standing before the Lord wanting.
Sincerely,
Gramps
