Opening the Windows of Heaven
Neil L. Andersen, of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
Elder Neil L. Andersen testifies of the blessings and spiritual power that come from paying an honest tithe and placing our trust in the Lord.
Open talk in Gospel LibraryIdeas for Opening the Lesson
- Begin the lesson by sharing the story of Brother Roger Parra and his experience during the power blackout in Venezuela. Discuss the faith and courage it took to give away all the food from his bakery and the miraculous protection his business received.
- Start the lesson by asking the class members to share their personal experiences or testimonies about tithing. This will set the tone for the discussion on the blessings and principles of tithing.
- Open the lesson with a question: "What does it mean to open the windows of heaven?" Encourage class members to think about this metaphor as it relates to the blessings of tithing.
Topics
Understanding the Law of Tithing
Elder Andersen discusses the law of tithing as a matter of faith. He emphasizes that tithing is not about money, but about showing our willingness to put the Lord first in our lives. He also clarifies how tithes should be used and administered within the Church.
The sacred law of tithing is principally a matter of our faith. Being honest in our tithes is one way we show our willingness to put the Lord first in our lives, above our own cares and interest.
- How does paying tithing show our willingness to put the Lord first in our lives?
- What are some ways you have seen the blessings of tithing in your life?
- How can we develop a stronger testimony of the law of tithing?
- Why do you think the Lord asks us to pay tithing?
- How does understanding the use of tithing within the Church strengthen your faith in this principle?
The Blessings of Tithing
Elder Andersen shares several stories to illustrate the blessings that come from faithfully paying tithing. He emphasizes that these blessings are not always material, and that they come in many different forms.
The blessings of tithing come in many ways. Some are temporal, but many are spiritual. Some are subtle and easy to overlook. Trust in the Lord’s timing; the blessings always come.
- What are some ways you have seen the blessings of tithing in your life?
- How can paying tithing help us trust in the Lord's timing?
- Why do you think some blessings of tithing are easy to overlook?
- Can you share a time when you noticed a subtle blessing that came from paying tithing?
- Why is it important to recognize both temporal and spiritual blessings from tithing?
The Stewardship of Tithing
Elder Andersen emphasizes the sacred stewardship of tithing within the Church. He explains that the funds belong to the Lord and are used to further His work on earth.
These sacred funds do not belong to the leaders of the Church. They belong to the Lord. His servants are painstakingly aware of the sacred nature of their stewardship.
- How does understanding the stewardship of tithing funds affect your willingness to pay tithing?
- Why is it important to understand that tithing funds belong to the Lord?
- How can we develop a greater sense of stewardship in our own lives?
- What are some ways you have seen the Church use tithing funds to further the Lord's work?
- How does the Church's careful use of tithing funds strengthen your testimony of this principle?
The Impact of Tithing on the Church's Work
Elder Andersen discusses the significant impact of tithing on the work of the Church worldwide. He highlights the Church's humanitarian efforts, missionary work, temple construction, and education initiatives.
From the generous tithes and offerings you have consecrated to the Lord, last year more than a billion US dollars were used to bless those in need.
- How does knowing the impact of your tithes on the Church's work make you feel?
- Why is it important for us to understand how our tithes are used?
- What are some ways you have seen the impact of tithing in your local community or ward?
- How does the Church's use of tithing for humanitarian work, missionary work, and education initiatives align with the teachings of Jesus Christ?
- How can we help others understand the impact of their tithes and offerings?
Additional Discussion Questions
- How has paying tithing affected your personal relationship with the Lord?
- What are some ways we can teach our children about the importance of tithing?
- How can we develop a more grateful heart in paying our tithes and offerings?
- Why do you think the Lord promises to 'open the windows of heaven' for those who pay tithing?
- How can we better recognize the blessings that come from paying tithing?
- What are some ways we can support the Church's efforts funded by tithing, beyond just paying our own tithes?
- How does tithing help prepare us for other gospel principles, such as consecration?
- What can we learn from the faith and sacrifice of those who pay tithing despite financial difficulties?
- How does the principle of tithing relate to the law of the harvest, or the idea that we reap what we sow?
- What are some ways we can cultivate a spirit of generosity, as exemplified by the law of tithing?
