Question about tithing?

crystalb · #1 (**permalink**) 05-31-2011, 02:39 PM

I'm preparing for my first temple recommend interview and I want to make sure that I fully understand what tithing is and isn't.

I don't have a typical source of income. I became disabled many years ago, before joining the church, and have only recently started receiving monthly disability checks. I know that tithing should come first, that it should be 10% of my income, but what I don't know is how this would/should apply to disability benefits. I've heard the stories about how even in the toughest of times when someone makes the sacrifice of paying tithing that the benefits will come.

For me, personally writing a check for 10% of my disability check every month would be devastating and could many times mean the difference between having enough food for the month and going hungry, between being able to meet my legal obligations (car payment, insurance, medical bills, etc) and to have to risk my car being repossessed or losing my insurance. I want to be worthy of the recommend that I am seeking but I'm worried that my situation won't allow me to be.

I've researched and studied the scriptures and prayed and I just can't seem to satisfy this question. Does anyone have any experience with this? Any advice?

Vort · #2 (**permalink**) 05-31-2011, 02:54 PM

Tithing means paying one-tenth of your interest annually.

That is the only definition of tithing. Anyone who says otherwise is not speaking with divine authorization.

How does this apply to you, in your circumstances? What constitutes your annual interest? That is a matter between you, God, and your bishop.

Now, if you want opinions, we have a hundred people who will offer you a hundred and ten different opinions on the matter. I'll even pipe up, if that's what you're looking for. But those opinions and two dollars will buy you a cup of hot cocoa at your local Starbucks. The bottom line on the matter is what I quoted in the first sentence.

SQUARE · #3 (**permalink**) 05-31-2011, 03:12 PM

Tithing or 10%, should be payed on anything that is gained. This includes disability. I know that it will be tough, but you can do it. The blessings of paying of tithing are worth it. Malachi 3:8-12." Prove me know 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". You will sleep better at night i promise you. If you can not pay your bills and get the required food you need to survive, talk with your Bishop and you can get food from the Bishop Storehouse, and help with bills if needed. It is worth it.

crystalb · #4 (**permalink**) 05-31-2011, 03:40 PM

Wouldn't paying the 10% and then needing assistance from the church to make sure I have enough to eat and can pay my bills work against each other?

Just_A_Guy · #5 (**permalink**) 05-31-2011, 04:05 PM

In a sense, yes. But since the Bishop manages both accounts at the ward level, you may want to let him know of the conundrum and see what he says.

SQUARE · #6 (**permalink**) 05-31-2011, 04:05 PM

You would be better off paying your 10% Tithing, kneeling down and asking Heavenly Father to provide for your needs. Yes is does sound kind of funny, but it is true. "Prove Him"..... Anything gained this includes all sources, (Except when receiving church welfare substances). If you have to try to justify why you should not have to pay tithing on your disability, than you do not understand the law of tithing. This is one reason why many LDS Members can not go to the Temple. I am glad the standards are high. This ensures the integrity of the sacred ordinances that are performed in the Temple. It is not easy, but it is worth it. Hope to see you at the temple.

Jennarator · #7 (**permalink**) 05-31-2011, 04:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crystalb

Wouldn't paying the 10% and then needing assistance from the church to make sure I have enough to eat and can pay my bills work against each other?

Nope. We are told to tithe. ASsistance from the welfare program of the church is seperate and paid for by fast offerings, not tithing.

Iggy · #8 (**permalink**) 05-31-2011, 04:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crystalb

Wouldn't paying the 10% and then needing assistance from the church to make sure I have enough to eat and can pay my bills work against each other?

Not really. When I was newly separated from hubby#1- if I paid my tithing I didn't have money for food or rent. My Branch President counseled me to pay my tithing, and the Church will supply my food and pay my rent.

In four months time, I changed jobs (getting more in wages) and moved to a larger home (for less rent & the house was better insulated thus electricity was way, way less) and could now pay tithing and all of my bills. Granted I didn't have a lot of left over money- sometimes all I had for gas for the car was $20.00 a month. BUT I also picked up extra cash (tithed on this also) by cleaning a couple of homes.

When, in faith, you pay your tithing knowing that you will be unable to pay a bill, put gas in the car, or food on your table, the Lord will provide for you.

You need to talk with your Bishop regarding this. He will council you in what the Church will/can do when you do what is asked of you by the Lord.

crystalb · #9 (**permalink**) 05-31-2011, 04:11 PM

My concern isn't so much with intention. If I had a source of income I would gladly tithe the full 10% every month. And it's not really about guilt. I don't feel guilty about not tithing because financially I'm not able to.

My check, technically, is Social Security Disability Insurance and is not considered a source of income by the government (and not by me either since it's barely 5% of what my income was before I got sick). It's not taxable, hence the question remains of tithability, if that's a word.

And my situation isn't going to turn around anytime soon. My disability isn't going to go away or get better and the best my doctors can say is that for the foreseeable future I will not be able to work.

Jennarator · #10 (**permalink**) 05-31-2011, 04:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crystalb

My concern isn't so much with intention. If I had a source of income I would gladly tithe the full 10% every month. And it's not really about guilt. I don't feel guilty about not tithing because financially I'm not able to.

My check, technically, is Social Security Disability Insurance and is not considered a source of income by the government (and not by me either since it's barely 5% of what my income was before I got sick). It's not taxable, hence the question remains of tithability, if that's a word.

And my situation isn't going to turn around anytime soon. My disability isn't going to go away or get better and the best my doctors can say is that for the foreseeable future I will not be able to work.

I agree with those that say to talk to your bishop. He will councel you.