Family Home Evening Lesson #22: FOR THE STRENGTH OF YOUTH--TITHES AND OFFERINGS

1. Opening Prayer

2. Sing "We Give Thee But Thine Own" Hymns pg. 218

3. Read Malachi 3:10 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.

4. Read and discuss the following from "For the Strength of Youth"

The law of tithing is an important commandment that you should obey throughout your life. A tithe is one-tenth of your income.

Paying tithing shows your gratitude for all that God has given you. It is a way to help build God’s kingdom on earth. Tithing is used to build temples and meetinghouses, translate and publish the scriptures, provide Church materials to members, do missionary work, perform temple and family history work, and support seminaries and institutes.

Your attitude is important in paying tithing. Pay it because you love the Lord and have faith in Him. Pay it willingly with a thankful heart. Pay it first, even when you think you don’t have enough money to meet your other needs. Doing so will help you overcome selfishness and be more receptive to the Spirit.

At the end of each year, schedule a time for tithing settlement with your bishop. This is a meeting in which you review your contribution records and declare whether you have paid a full tithe.

Obey the law of the fast by fasting once each month (if health permits), usually on the first Sunday of the month. A proper fast day observance includes not eating or drinking for two consecutive meals and giving a generous fast offering to help care for those in need. Begin and end your fast with prayer, asking for special help with a specific need.

Then read and discuss the following from Gordon B. Hinckley:

Some of you have money problems. I know that. There is never enough money in your homes. I know that. You are struggling to get along. What is the cure? The only thing I know of is payment of tithing. Now, that doesn’t mean that you will have a Cadillac and a mansion. But it was God who made the promise that He would open the windows of heaven and pour down blessings upon those who walked honestly with Him in the payment of their tithes and offerings, and He has the capacity to keep His promise. It is my testimony that He does keep that promise.

5. Closing Prayer

Additional Resources: Like a Watered Garden (Liahona, Jan. 2002)
Paying Tithing (New Era, May 1973)
Tithing (FHE Resource Book)
Tithes and Offerings (Gospel Principles, Chapter 32)