Tithing and the Day of Burning

Speaking on behalf of God, the prophet Malachi urged his people to pay tithing. “Prove me now herewith,” he challenged them, “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.” The promised blessing would include protection against economic catastrophe: “I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, saith the Lord of hosts” (Malachi 3:10-11).

In the following chapter, Malachi prophesied of a day that would “burn as an oven,” when the proud and the wicked would be “stubble.” “The day that cometh shall burn them up,” he declared (Malachi 4:1).

Jesus quoted both passages during his post-mortal ministry in the Americas (See 3 Nephi 24:10-11, 3 Nephi 25:1.) The angel Moroni also apparently quoted them during his visit to Joseph Smith on September 21, 1823.

The passages teach two complementary principles:

1. The Lord blesses us when we pay tithing.
2. Catastrophes will precede the Savior’s Second Coming.

In a September 1831 revelation to Joseph Smith, the Lord combined those two concepts:

Behold, now it is called today until the coming of the Son of Man, and verily it is a day of sacrifice, and a day for the tithing of my people; for he that is tithed shall not be burned at his coming.

For after today cometh the burning—this is speaking after the manner of the Lord—for verily I say, tomorrow all the proud and they that do wickedly shall be as stubble; and I will burn them up, for I am the Lord of Hosts; and I will not spare any that remain in Babylon.

Doctrine and Covenants 64:23-24

What is this burning?

We know that calamities will precede the Savior’s return, including natural disasters and wars. (See Matthew 24:6-7, Mormon 8:29-30.) Certainly the combined effect of these disasters represents one form of burning. However, we also recognize that, as Elder Neil L. Andersen has taught, the righteous are not entirely immune from the effects of these events. (See “Wounded,” General Conference, October 2018.)

Another possible interpretation of the burning is the glory which we will experience in His presence. King Benjamin taught that unrepentant sinners will instinctively “shrink from the presence of the Lord,” experiencing overwhelming guilt, “which is like an unquenchable fire” (Mosiah 2:38). Maybe the “burning” we should most want to avoid is this spiritual flame, caused by an unreadiness to be with God.

How does tithing help us escape this fate?

Elder Neil L. Andersen taught:

The world speaks of tithing in terms of our money, but 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. I promise you that as you trust in the Lord, the blessings of heaven will follow.

“Tithing: Opening the Windows of Heaven,” General Conference, October 2023

So tithing is really an outward manifestation of an inward faith, a way of showing God that we value Him more than mammon, literally “putting our money where our mouth is.” Tithing prepares us to stand in God’s presence because it really isn’t about the money; it’s about what happens in our hearts when we willingly choose to part with it.

Today, I will review the status of our tithing and other offerings, in order to ensure that we are fulfilling this invitation and commandment from the Lord. I will remember that tithing opens the windows of heaven, in part, by opening my heart to receive His grace, which in turn prepares me for a joyful reunion with Him.