Relief Society Lesson -- The Windows of Heaven

The Windows of Heaven

Elder David A. Bednar

Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

October 2013 General Conference

Lesson # 1—Significant but Subtle Blessings

Often as we teach and testify about the law of tithing, we emphasize the immediate, dramatic, and readily recognizable temporal blessings that we receive. And surely such blessings do occur.

Yet some of the diverse blessings we obtain as we are obedient to this commandment are significant but subtle. Such blessings can be discerned only if we are both spiritually attentive and observant.

For example, a subtle but significant blessing we receive is the spiritual gift of gratitude that enables our appreciation for what we have to constrain desires for what we want. A grateful person is rich in contentment. An ungrateful person suffers in the poverty of endless discontentment.

I promise that as you and I observe and keep the law of tithing, indeed the windows of heaven will be opened and spiritual and temporal blessings will be poured out such that there shall not be room enough to receive them.

I testify that as we are spiritually attentive and observant, we will be blessed with eyes that see more clearly, ears that hear more consistently, and hearts that understand more fully the significance and subtlety of His ways, His thoughts, and His blessings in our lives.

Lesson #2— The Simplicity of the Lord’s Way

“shall pay one-tenth of all their interest annually; and this shall be a standing law unto them forever,…saith the Lord”-- Doctrine and Covenants 119:4

These sacred funds are used in a rapidly growing church to spiritually bless individuals and families by constructing and maintaining temples and houses of worship, supporting missionary work, translating and publishing scriptures, fostering family history research, funding schools and religious education, and accomplishing many other Church purposes as directed by the Lord’s ordained servants.

First, the Church lives within its means and does not spend more than it receives.

 Second, a portion of the annual income is set aside as a reserve for contingencies and unanticipated needs.

For decades the Church has taught its membership the principle of setting aside additional food, fuel, and money to take care of emergencies that might arise. The Church as an institution simply follows the same principles that are taught repeatedly to the members. The honest payment of tithing is much more than a duty; it is an important step in the process of personal sanctification.

I testify spiritual and temporal blessings come into our lives as we live the law of tithing.

here is the link to the talk:

The Windows of Heaven