As I seek to change from a transactional to a covenantal relationship with Heavenly Father and our Savior I try to focus on the joy of paying a full tithe, even when finances are tight. I worry far too much about our bills but it never stops me paying that paltry 10% first and with a smile. It just feels so GOOD to give God something He doesn’t need, since it’s sorest all His, anyway.
To quote a line from one of my favorite songs,
“When will they learn that’s not what lovin’ is?
it’s not what you get in return, it’s what you give.”
S RichardsonApril 8, 2026
The need to talk about tithing by itself seems to have diminished as we talk more about temples. It's like the subject has become eclipsed by an even more important subject - spending time in the temple and realizing temple blessings. It's like an even stronger motivation to pay tithing and keep all the covenants.
Rochelle HaleApril 8, 2026
One of the principles my husband and I would never consider NOT doing is paying our tithing. In recent years we have seen relatives of other faiths be turned away from their churches because they could not pay membership dues. This is very sad when people cannot exercise their faith or receive service from others because they have not paid. The payment of tithes is between us, our bishops, and the Lord. No one will be denied membership, and all are welcome in the Church, but it is a simple, but higher principle that we must live to receive a temple recommend. My first experience was as a young teenage convert, when I would literally put I.O.U.s for my tithing in my piggy bank. Fast forward a few years when, through the miracles of tithing, I was able to finance most of my mission myself. During a health issue a few years ago, I felt prompted to take certain measures in our finances. The promptings were strong, yet I believe that direction we received was stronger because we had paid our tithing.
Layne MillerApril 8, 2026
Great insights and article as usual my friend.
Keep them coming!
Paul BishopApril 8, 2026
Good article as always, Mark. Like you, I remember when it seemed every third sacrament talk focused on tithing, and I’ve often wondered why it now appears to be such a rare topic. As an adult convert, I’ve been fortunate to develop a steady, enduring testimony of tithing. While I don’t have dramatic stories of last-minute financial rescues, I continue to see clear and consistent blessings from honoring my tithing commitment. With each passing day, I grow more convinced of the positive influence tithing has in my life, and I remain grateful for the opportunity to return to the Lord a portion of what is already His.
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HelenCApril 11, 2026
As I seek to change from a transactional to a covenantal relationship with Heavenly Father and our Savior I try to focus on the joy of paying a full tithe, even when finances are tight. I worry far too much about our bills but it never stops me paying that paltry 10% first and with a smile. It just feels so GOOD to give God something He doesn’t need, since it’s sorest all His, anyway. To quote a line from one of my favorite songs, “When will they learn that’s not what lovin’ is? it’s not what you get in return, it’s what you give.”
S RichardsonApril 8, 2026
The need to talk about tithing by itself seems to have diminished as we talk more about temples. It's like the subject has become eclipsed by an even more important subject - spending time in the temple and realizing temple blessings. It's like an even stronger motivation to pay tithing and keep all the covenants.
Rochelle HaleApril 8, 2026
One of the principles my husband and I would never consider NOT doing is paying our tithing. In recent years we have seen relatives of other faiths be turned away from their churches because they could not pay membership dues. This is very sad when people cannot exercise their faith or receive service from others because they have not paid. The payment of tithes is between us, our bishops, and the Lord. No one will be denied membership, and all are welcome in the Church, but it is a simple, but higher principle that we must live to receive a temple recommend. My first experience was as a young teenage convert, when I would literally put I.O.U.s for my tithing in my piggy bank. Fast forward a few years when, through the miracles of tithing, I was able to finance most of my mission myself. During a health issue a few years ago, I felt prompted to take certain measures in our finances. The promptings were strong, yet I believe that direction we received was stronger because we had paid our tithing.
Layne MillerApril 8, 2026
Great insights and article as usual my friend. Keep them coming!
Paul BishopApril 8, 2026
Good article as always, Mark. Like you, I remember when it seemed every third sacrament talk focused on tithing, and I’ve often wondered why it now appears to be such a rare topic. As an adult convert, I’ve been fortunate to develop a steady, enduring testimony of tithing. While I don’t have dramatic stories of last-minute financial rescues, I continue to see clear and consistent blessings from honoring my tithing commitment. With each passing day, I grow more convinced of the positive influence tithing has in my life, and I remain grateful for the opportunity to return to the Lord a portion of what is already His.
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