What Is Tithing?
Tithing is God's law that His children give one-tenth of their increase to Him.
Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints do this by donating their tithing through the Church.
Those sacred funds are used to build and maintain temples and meetinghouses, support missionary work, provide gospel resources, and help accomplish the Lord's work throughout the world.
Millions of people are blessed because faithful members choose to live this commandment.
More importantly, tithing reminds us that everything we have ultimately comes from God.
Why Does God Ask Us to Pay Tithing?
God does not ask us to pay tithing because He needs our money.
Everything already belongs to Him.
Instead, the law of tithing helps change us.
When we willingly sacrifice something that is important to us, we demonstrate that we love God more than temporary earthly possessions.
Tithing teaches faith.
It teaches gratitude.
It teaches trust.
As we put God first, we become less attached to the things of this world and more focused on building His kingdom.
Living the law of tithing also allows the Church to continue sharing the restored gospel and blessing millions of Heavenly Father's children around the world.
Why Can Paying Tithing Be Difficult?
For many people, ten percent of their income is a significant sacrifice.
There are vacations we could take, restaurants we could visit, hobbies we could enjoy, or savings we could build with that money.
The sacrifice is real.
That is one reason the commandment helps strengthen our faith.
When we choose to obey God even when it requires sacrifice, we show that our trust in Him is greater than our trust in material things.
Faith often grows most when obedience requires something of us.
What Blessings Come from Paying Tithing?
The blessings of tithing are much deeper than financial gain.
One of the greatest blessings is that it changes our hearts.
As we consistently give to the Lord, we become less selfish and more generous.
Giving freely, without expecting anything in return, helps us become more like Jesus Christ.
The Lord has also promised to bless those who faithfully live His commandments. Those blessings come in many forms—greater faith, increased peace, spiritual strength, opportunities to serve, and the quiet assurance that comes from knowing we are putting God first.
The greatest blessing of all is drawing closer to the Savior.
"God Doesn't Need My Money."
You're right.
God does not need our money.
The law of tithing is not about meeting God's needs—it is about changing our hearts.
He already knows us perfectly and loves us completely.
Tithing gives us an opportunity to show our love, faith, and willingness to put Him first.
When we willingly obey this commandment, we demonstrate that our relationship with God matters more than temporary possessions.
The Lord has always invited His children to exercise faith through sacrifice, and the law of tithing is one way we accept that invitation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a full tithe?
Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints seek to faithfully live the Lord's law of tithing by paying one-tenth of their increase. Each member declares their own tithing status before the Lord.
Does God need our money?
No.
Everything belongs to God. Tithing is a commandment given for our growth and to help accomplish His work on the earth.
What if paying tithing feels difficult?
Many faithful members have felt that sacrifice. The Lord invites us to exercise faith, trust His promises, and put Him first, even when doing so requires sacrifice.
Scriptures to Study
- Malachi 3:8–10
- Matthew 6:19–21
- 2 Corinthians 9:6–8
- Mark 12:41–44
- Doctrine and Covenants 64:23
- Doctrine and Covenants 119
Final Thoughts
The law of tithing is not about money.
It is about faith.
It is about trusting God enough to place Him first in our lives.
As we faithfully live this commandment, the Lord changes our hearts, strengthens our discipleship, and reminds us that our greatest treasure is not found in earthly possessions but in our relationship with Jesus Christ.
We hope this article has helped you better understand the law of tithing and why it is an important part of discipleship. Our prayer is that every resource we create points you toward the Savior and helps you prepare to make and keep sacred temple covenants.
Thank you for spending part of your temple journey with us.
— Scott & Riah Brough
Brough Made
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