We Believe: Doctrines of Mormonism: Welfare Program: Temporary Assistance

List of Doctrines on "Welfare Program: Temporary Assistance"

861. We are to care for the poor, the needy, and the sick and afflicted.

862. Parents are to support their minor children.

863. Adult children have the responsibility to support their parents when they are in need.

864. If Church members are unable to sustain themselves, they are to call upon their own families, and then upon the Church, in that order.

865. Church members should not call upon the government for unearned welfare assistance.

866. The Lord's way for Church members to provide for the welfare of the needy is this: donations and offerings are to be given to the bishop, who in turn distributes them to the needy.

867. Fast offering donations are a Church-constituted means for providing for the poor.

868. Members of the Church are to contribute the value of two meals (at least) as a voluntary fast offering for the relief of those who are hungry or otherwise in distress.

869. We are to be very generous in the giving of fast offerings.

861. We are to care for the poor, the needy, and the sick and afflicted.

Russell M. Nelson
Joseph Smith
Joseph Smith
George F. Richards
Joseph Smith
Jacob, brother of Nephi
King Benjamin
Joseph B. Wirthlin

Russell M. Nelson

Few, if any, of the Lord's instructions are stated more often, or given greater emphasis, than the commandment to care for the poor and the needy. CR1986Apr:32

Joseph Smith,
receiving the Word of the Lord

And behold, thou wilt remember the poor, and consecrate of thy properties for their support that which thou hast to impart unto them, with a covenant and a deed which cannot be broken. 31. And inasmuch as ye impart of your substance unto the poor, ye will do it unto me; . . . (Revelation "embracing the law of the Church," Feb. 9, 1871; "Although this revelation was given in connection with the law of consecration, the principles it teaches are consistent with Church welfare plan,"MPSG1988:102) D&C 42:30-31

Joseph Smith,
receiving the Word of the Lord

Behold, I say unto you, that ye must visit the poor and the needy and administer to their relief, that they may be kept until all things may be done according to my law which ye have received. Amen. (Revelation received in Kirtland, Ohio, Feb. 1831) D&C 44:6

George F. Richards

The Lord expects us, when he blesses us with the good things of this earth, to remember those who are not so fortunate. We are to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, visit the sick, comfort those who mourn, and minister unto those who are poor and needy, and thus become of that class to whom the Lord, when he shall come, shall say: "Come, ye blessed of the Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world." CR1939Oct:108-09

Joseph Smith

Therefore, if any man shall take of the abundance which I have made, and impart not his portion, according to the law of my gospel, unto the poor and the needy, he shall, with the wicked, lift up his eyes in hell, being in torment. (Revelation concerning the United Order, April 23, 1834) D&C 104:18

Jacob, brother of Nephi

Think of your brethren like unto yourselves, and be familiar with all and free with your substance, that they may be rich like unto you.
18. But before ye seek for riches, seek ye for the kingdom of God.
19. And after ye have obtained a hope in Christ ye shall obtain riches, if ye seek them; and ye will seek them for the intent to do good—to clothe the naked, and to feed the hungry, and to liberate the captive, and administer relief to the sick and the afflicted. (Jacob denounces the love of riches among the Nephites, 544-421 B.C.) Jacob 2:17-19

King Benjamin,
quoted by Mormon

I would that ye should impart of your substance to the poor, every man according to that which he hath, such as feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, visiting the sick and administering to their relief, both spiritually and temporally, according to their wants. (King Benjamin addresses his people, about 124 B.C.) Mosiah 4:26

Joseph B. Wirthlin

As members of the Church, we have a sacred responsibility to assist those in need and to help relieve their heavy burdens. (CR 2001Apr; The Law of the Fast, Ensign, May 2001, p.73)

862. Parents are to support their minor children.

Joseph Smith
Marion G. Romney
Boyd K. Packer
Paul
Russell M. Nelson
Related Witnesses
Elder Harold B. Lee

Joseph Smith

All children have claim upon their parents for their maintenance until they are of age.
5. And after that, they have claim upon the church . . . if their parents have not wherewith to give them inheritances. (Revelation, April 30, 1832) D&C 83:4-5

Marion G. Romney

Fathers and mothers are under a divine command to care for their children. . . . CR1979Apr:134

Boyd K. Packer

If a member is unable to sustain himself, then he is to call upon his own family, and then upon the Church, in that order, and not upon the government at all. ("Self-reliance," EN1975Aug:85) TLDP:728-29

Paul

But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel. (Letter to his assistant Timothy, about A.D. 64) 1 Timothy 5:8

Russell M. Nelson

[T]he Lord's "own way" includes, first, reliance on self, then on the family. As parents care for their children, they in turn, may reciprocate when parents become less able. Family pride promotes solicitude for each member, taking priority over other assistance. (Handbook of the Relief Society, 1931, p.
22.) CR1986Apr:33

Related Witnesses:

Elder Harold B. Lee

I have asked myself if the failure of children to take care of their aging parents, when they come to a day of want and are in need of sustenance, is due to the failure of parents, in the day gone by, to teach those same children to avoid the curse of idleness, and to be responsible in righteousness before our Heavenly Father. Unless we teach our children today correct principles, they, like some children today, will be thankless and without the natural affection necessary to cement this society upon a firm, determined foundation. Yes, it seems to me that in very deed, the welfare plan has been a kind of turning of the hearts of the children to the fathers and the fathers to the children, that we might be prolonged upon this land which the Lord our God has given us. CR1946Apr:71

863. Adult children have the responsibility to support their parents when they are in need.

Marion G. Romney
Jesus
Elder Harold B. Lee
Russell M. Nelson
Related Witnesses
Recorded in Exodus
Paul

Marion G. Romney

The first principle of action in Church Welfare is, therefore, for us to take care of ourselves as far as is possible.
The second principle is that we should be so bound together as families that we shall sustain each other. Fathers and mothers are under a divine command to care for their children, and children have the responsibility to care for their parents. CR1979Apr:134

Jesus,
recorded in Matthew

But he answered and said unto them, Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition?
4. For God commanded, saying, Honour thy father and mother: and, He that curseth father or mother, let him die the death.
5. But ye say, Whosoever shall say to his father or his mother, It is a gift, by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me;
6. And honour not his father or his mother, he shall be free. Thus have ye made the commandment of God of none effect by your tradition.
7. Ye hypocrites, well did Esaias prophesy of you, saying,
8. This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me.
9. But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. (Jesus answers the scribes and Pharisees who contend against him) Matthew 15:3-9

Elder Harold B. Lee,

also quoting Paul and Moses
To Timothy, the apostle Paul said:
"But if any [man] provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel." (1 Timothy 5:8)
And again the commandment from Mt. Sinai, and interpreted by the Master . . . to mean the taking care of aging parents by children:
"Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee. (Exodus 20:12)
From these two scriptures I make these two conclusions: In the first place those who refuse to care for their own are subject to a judgment more severe than that which would be meted out to one who lost his faith and had become as an infidel; and second, that those who refuse to honor father and mother in the way the Master explained, are jeopardizing their tenure upon this land which the Lord has given us. I have thought a great deal about that. I wonder whether that tenure shall be jeopardized because of the burdensome taxation that shall increase and grow until we are virtually displaced in our ownership, if we don't take care of our own, or I am wondering whether the Lord will withdraw his blessings, as Amulek declared in the thirty-fourth chapter of Alma, if we refuse to succor those who stand in need of help.
And on the other hand, so far as children are concerned, I have remembered what the Apostle Paul said about that: He predicted a time would come in the last days, a perilous time when men should be lovers of their own selves, covetous, disobedient, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection. That sounds strangely familiar to the language of the Lord in this day, when he declared:
"Now, I, the Lord, am not well pleased with the inhabitants of Zion, for there are idlers among them; and their children are also growing up in wickedness; they also seek not earnestly the riches of eternity, but their eyes are full of greediness. These things ought not to be, and must be done away from among them." (D&C 68:31,32)
I have asked myself if the failure of children to take care of their aging parents, when they come to a day of want and are in need of sustenance, is due to the failure of parents, in the day gone by, to teach those same children to avoid the curse of idleness, and to be responsible in righteousness before our Heavenly Father. Unless we teach our children today correct principles, they, like some children today, will be thankless and without the natural affection necessary to cement this society upon a firm, determined foundation. Yes, it seems to me that in very deed, the welfare plan has been a kind of turning of the hearts of the children to the fathers and the fathers to the children, that we might be prolonged upon this land which the Lord our God has given us. CR1946Apr:70-71

Russell M. Nelson

Related Witnesses:

Recorded in Exodus

Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee. (The Lord reveals the fifth of the Ten Commandments to Moses ) Exodus 20:12

Paul

But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel. (Paul writes to his assistant Timothy, about A.D. 64) 1 Timothy 5:8

Author's Note: Parents have claim upon their children for support to the extent that they cannot sustain themselves.
No one should call for assistance until after his own resources and resourcefulness have run out: "It is important that you understand that, as a priesthood bearer, it is your responsibility to first care for your own temporal needs, next to care for the temporal needs of your family, and then for the temporal needs of others. This is a key welfare principle." (See MPSG1988:100.)

864. If Church members are unable to sustain themselves, they are to call upon their own families, and then upon the Church, in that order.

Marion G. Romney
Boyd K. Packer
Joseph Smith
Russell M. Nelson
President Spencer W. Kimball
Elder Ezra Taft Benson
Marion G. Romney
Marion G. Romney
Related Witnesses
Boyd K. Packer

Marion G. Romney

The first principle of action in Church Welfare is . . . for us to take care of ourselves as far as is possible.
The second principle is that we should be so bound together as families that we shall sustain each other. Fathers and mothers are under a divine command to care for their children, and children have the responsibility to care for their parents.
When Church members cannot provide for themselves and are not cared for by their families, they are to be cared for pursuant to the third principle of Church Welfare, which is, by divine command, that the membership of the Church shall care for them.
The Lord has made these principles binding upon the Saints in every gospel dispensation. CR1979Apr:134

Boyd K. Packer

We have succeeded fairly well to establishing in the minds of Latter-day Saints that they should take care of their own material needs and then contribute to the welfare of those who cannot provide the necessities of life. If a member is unable to sustain himself, then he is to call upon his own family, and then upon the Church, in that order, and not upon the government at all. ("Self-reliance," EN1975Aug:85) TLDP:728-29

Joseph Smith

All children have claim upon their parents for their maintenance until they are of age.
5. And after that, they have claim upon the church, or in other words upon the Lord's storehouse, if their parents have not wherewith to give them inheritances. (Revelation, April 30, 1832) D&C 83:4-5

Russell M. Nelson

The Lord's "own way" includes, first, reliance on self, then on the family. As parents care for their children, they in turn, may reciprocate when parents become less able. Family pride promotes solicitude for each member, taking priority over other assistance.
If one's family can't help, the Lord's "own way" includes the Church organization. The bishop is assisted by priesthood quorums and good sisters of the Relief Society, organized to look "to the wants of the poor, searching after objects of charity and . . . administering to their wants." (Handbook of the Relief Society, 1931, p. 22) CR1986Apr:33

President Spencer W. Kimball

The Church and its members are commanded by the Lord to be self-reliant and independent.
The responsibility for each person's social, emotional, spiritual, physical, or economic well-being rests first upon himself, second upon his family, and third upon the Church if he is a faithful member thereof.
No true Latter-day Saint, while physically or emotionally able, will voluntarily shift the burden of his own or his family's well-being to someone else. So long as he can, under the inspiration of the Lord and with his own labors, he will supply himself and his family with the spiritual and temporal necessities of life. (General conference, welfare session, Oct. 1977) (The Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball, p. 366) TLDP:718-19

Elder Ezra Taft Benson

Occasionally, we receive questions as to the propriety of Church members receiving government assistance instead of Church assistance. Let me restate what is a fundamental principle. Individuals, to the extent possible, should provide for their own needs. Where the individual is unable to care for himself, his family should assist. Where the family is not able to provide, the Church should render assistance, not the government. We accept the basic principle that "though the people support the government, the government should not support the people."
Latter-say Saints should not receive unearned welfare assistance from local or national agencies. This includes food stamps. Priesthood and Relief Society leaders should urge members to accept the Church welfare program and earn through the program that which they need, even though they may receive less food and money. By doing so, members will be spiritually strengthened, and they will maintain their dignity and self-respect. ("Ministering to Needs through the Lord's Storehouse System," EN1977May:84) TLDP:728

Marion G. Romney

We do not bless anybody when we do for them what they can do for themselves. The purpose of Welfare Services is to promote "independence, thrift, and self-respect," and every individual should value his or her independence and labor with all their might to maintain it by being self-sustaining. . . .
Finally, the individual having done all he can to maintain himself, and members of his family having done what they can do to assist him, the Church, through Welfare Services, stands ready to see that such members, who will accept the program and work in it to the extent of their ability, are cared for, each "according to his family, according to his circumstances and his wants and needs." (D&C 51:3) CR1977Oct:115-16

Marion G. Romney

Obviously, no one should become a charge upon the public when his relatives are able to care for him. Every consideration of kindness, of justice, of fairness, of the common good, and of humanity requires this. CR1980Apr:114

Related Witnesses:

Boyd K. Packer

I have been concerned that we may be on the verge of doing to ourselves emotionally (and therefore spiritually) what we have been working so hard for generations to avoid materially. If we lose our emotional and spiritual self-reliance, we can be weakened quite as much, perhaps even more, than when we become dependent materially. On one hand, we counsel bishops to avoid abuses in the Church welfare program. On the other hand, we seem to dole out counsel and advice without the slightest thought that the member should solve the problem himself or turn to his family. Only when those resources are inadequate should he turn to the Church. ("Self-reliance," EN1975Aug:86) TLDP:724-25

865. Church members should not call upon the government for unearned welfare assistance.

Boyd K. Packer
Elder Ezra Taft Benson
Marion G. Romney
Marion G. Romney

Boyd K. Packer

Elder Ezra Taft Benson

Marion G. Romney

866. The Lord's way for Church members to provide for the welfare of the needy is this: donations and offerings are to be given to the bishop, who in turn distributes them to the needy.

Russell M. Nelson
J. Reuben Clark, Jr.
Joseph Smith
Henry B. Eyring
Related Witnesses
Joseph Smith
Joseph Smith
Marion G. Romney
Marion G. Romney
Marion G. Romney
President Spencer W. Kimball
J. Reuben Clark, Jr.

Russell M. Nelson

As individual members of the Church, you and I participate in the Lord's "own way." At least once a month, we fast and pray and contribute generous offerings to funds that enable bishops to disperse aid. This is part of the law of the gospel. Each of us truly can help the poor and the needy, now, and wherever they are. And we, too, will be blessed and protected from apostasy by so doing. CR1986Apr:33

J. Reuben Clark, Jr.

In normal times, except for the few who are wholly incapacitated for work, and the few old folk without relatives to support them, the bishop's job is to afford temporary relief while the needy find re-employment. . . .
Since the most pressing need was food, shelter, and clothing—the maintenance of life—the bishops were directed to adjust their organizations and to intensify their work, to this end. Bishops' storehouses have been established for the collection of fuel, food, and clothing, these materials to come from the voluntary contributions of the people of the wards. Thus neighbors are to help neighbors, through the medium of the storehouse. This puts into the relief a personal sympathy that is wholesome for all, and tends to prevent imposition and over-reaching. There is an infinity of difference between the sack of flour that comes over the back fence from your next door neighbor and a sack that is sent to you from Washington. The one hallows the giver, and raises and enspirits, with the human love and sympathy behind it, him who thankfully eats it; the other debauches the hand which doles out that which is not his, and embitters and enslaves him who with malediction devours it. (From an address at Estes Park, Colorado, pursuant to an invitation to speak on "Federal Relief—Emergency Measure or Permanent Program," June 20, 1939; entire address published in pamphlet distributed by the General Church Welfare Committee; MOFP6:63-88) MOFP6:74

Joseph Smith,
receiving the Word of the Lord

And inasmuch as ye impart of your substance unto the poor, ye will do it unto me; and they shall be laid before the bishop of my church and his counselors, two of the elders, or high priests, such as he shall appoint or has appointed and set apart for that purpose. (Revelation "embracing the law of the Church," Feb. 9, 1831; "Although this revelation was given in connection with the law of consecration, the principles it teaches are consistent with the Church welfare plan," MPSG1988:102) D&C 42:31

Henry B. Eyring

There is one other setting which provides a near-perfect opportunity to combine love and testimony. In every ward and branch in the Church, once a month we hold a fast and testimony meeting. We fast for two meals. With the money saved, and adding more to it whenever we can, we pay a generous fast offering. The bishop and the branch president use those offerings, under inspiration, to care for the poor and the needy. Thus, by paying a fast offering we give comfort to those in need of comfort as we promised that we would. (CR 1996Oct; Witnesses for God, Ensign, November 1996, p.30)

Related Witnesses:

Joseph Smith,
receiving the Word of the Lord

I, the Lord, stretched out the heavens, and built the earth, my very handiwork; and all things therein are mine.
15. And it is my purpose to provide for my saints, for all things are mine.
16. But it must needs be done in mine own way; and behold this is the way that I, the Lord, have decreed to provide for my saints, that the poor shall be exalted, in that the rich are made low.
17. For the earth is full, and there is enough and to spare; yea, I prepared all things, and have given unto the children of men to be agents unto themselves.
18. Therefore, if any man shall take of the abundance which I have made, and impart not his portion, according to the law of my gospel, unto the poor and the needy, he shall, with the wicked, lift up his eyes in hell, being in torment. (Revelation concerning the United Order, April 23, 1834) D&C 104:14-18

Joseph Smith

And again, let the bishop appoint a storehouse unto this church; and let all things both in money and in meat, which are more than is needful for the wants of this people, be kept in the hands of the bishop. (Revelation, May 1831) D&C 51:13

Marion G. Romney

Finally, the individual having done all he can to maintain himself, and members of his family having done what they can do to assist him, the Church, through Welfare Services, stands ready to see that such members, who will accept the program and work in it to the extent of their ability, are cared for, each "according to his family, according to his circumstances and his wants and needs." (D&C 51:3) CR1977Oct:115-16

Marion G. Romney

Thus, the bishop is to "visit the poor and the needy and administer to their relief," as a husband to the widow, as a parent to the orphan. And for temporal needs he is to draw from the storehouse. Spiritually he is to see that they are or become the pure in heart, that their spirits are contrite, that their "hearts are broken." CR1977Oct:118

Marion G. Romney

Everything we do in welfare services must be measured by its accomplishment in spiritual terms. Givers must give out of a righteous heart and with a willing spirit. Receivers must receive with thankfulness and gladness of heart. The Spirit must confirm a bishop's evaluation regarding assistance. It must lead a home teacher and a visiting teacher to know how to respond to needs of families to whom they are assigned. With righteous intent, participating in this great work sanctifies the soul and enlarges the mind. As we spiritually mature in fulfilling our welfare responsibilities, whatever they may be, we prepare ourselves to become "partakers of the divine nature." (See 2 Peter 1:4.) CR1980Apr:115

President Spencer W. Kimball

Consecration is the giving of one's own time, talents, and means to care for those in need—whether spiritually or temporally—and in building the Lord's kingdom. In Welfare Services, members consecrate as they labor on production projects, donate materials to Deseret Industries, share their professional talents, give a generous fast offering, and respond to ward and quorum service projects. They consecrate their time in their home or visiting teaching. We consecrate when we give of ourselves. (General conference, welfare session, Oct. 1977) (The Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball, p. 36) TLDP:718-19

J. Reuben Clark, Jr.

[I]n lieu of residues and surpluses which were accumulated and built up under the United Order, we, today, have our fast offerings, our Welfare donations, and our tithing, all of which may be devoted to the care of the poor, as well as for the carrying on of the activities and business of the Church. After all, the United Order was primarily designed to build up a system under which there should be no abjectly poor, and this is the purpose, also, of the Welfare Plan. . . .
. . . . Furthermore, we had under the United Order a bishop's storehouse in which were collected the materials from which to supply the needs and the wants of the poor. We have a bishop's storehouse under the Welfare Plan, used for the same purpose. . . .
. . . . Thus you will see, brethren, that in many of its great essentials, we have, as the Welfare Plan has now developed, the broad essentials of the United Order. CR1942Oct:57-58

867. Fast offering donations are a Church-constituted means for providing for the poor.

President Heber J. Grant
President Heber J. Grant
Elder David O. McKay
J. Reuben Clark, Jr.
Joseph B. Wirthlin
Related Witnesses
Joseph Smith
King Benjamin

President Heber J. Grant

When fasting, members of the Church are advised to abstain from two meals each Fast Day and to contribute as a donation the amount saved thereby for the support of the worthy poor. . . . (Published statement from the First Presidency of the Church, March 26, 1932) MOFP5:307

President Heber J. Grant

Each member is asked to fast for two meals on the first Sunday in each month, and to give as a wholly voluntary contribution, the equivalent of these meals, which is used for the support of the poor. (Published statement from the First Presidency of the Church, June 20, 1939) MOFP6:72

Elder David O. McKay

Associated with this practice [of fasting] in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the giving of a fast offering, the underlying purpose and far-reaching benefits of which make the monthly observance of fast day one of the most significant features of this latter-day work. Besides the benefits already mentioned there are: First, all the spiritual uplift that comes from a Christ-like desire to serve one's fellowmen; and Second, an economic means which when carried out by a perfect and active organization will supply the needs of every worthy poor person within the confines of the organized branches of the Church. CR1932Apr:64-65

J. Reuben Clark, Jr.

Joseph B. Wirthlin

Fast offerings are used for one purpose only: to bless the lives of those in need. Every dollar given to the bishop as a fast offering goes to assist the poor. When donations exceed local needs, they are passed along to fulfill the needs elsewhere. (CR 2001Apr; The Law of the Fast, Ensign, May 2001, p.73)

Related Witnesses:

Joseph Smith,
receiving the Word of the Lord

And remember in all things the poor and the needy, the sick and the afflicted, for he that doeth not these things, the same is not my disciple. (Revelation for the elders of the Church, June 7, 1831; various elders sent to preach the gospel) D&C 52:40

King Benjamin,
quoted by Mormon

And also, ye yourselves will succor those that stand in need of your succor; ye will administer of your substance unto him that standeth in need; and ye will not suffer that the beggar putteth up his petition to you in vain, and turn him out to perish.
17. Perhaps thou shalt say: The man has brought upon himself his misery; therefore I will stay my hand, and will not give unto him of my food, nor impart unto him of my substance that he may not suffer, for his punishments are just—
18. But I say unto you, O man, whosoever doeth this the same hath great cause to repent; and except he repenteth of that which he hath done he perisheth forever, and hath no interest in the kingdom of God.
19. For behold, are we not all beggars? Do we not all depend upon the same Being, even God, for all the substance which we have, for both food and raiment, and for gold, and for silver, and for all the riches which we have of every kind?
20. And behold, even at this time, ye have been calling on his name, and begging for a remission of your sins. And has he suffered that ye have begged in vain? Nay; he has poured out his Spirit upon you, and has caused that your hearts should be filled with joy, and has caused that your mouths should be stopped that ye could not find utterance, so exceedingly great was your joy.
21. And now, if God, who has created you, on whom you are dependent for your lives and for all that ye have and are, doth grant unto you whatsoever ye ask that is right, in faith, believing that ye shall receive, O then, how ye ought to impart of the substance that ye have one to another. . . .
26. And now, for the sake of these things which I have spoken unto you—that is, for the sake of retaining a remission of your sins from day to day, that ye may walk guiltless before God—I would that ye should impart of your substance to the poor, every man according to that which he hath, such as feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, visiting the sick and administering to their relief, both spiritually and temporally, according to their wants. (King Benjamin addresses his people, about 124 B.C.) Mosiah 4:16-21,26

868. Members of the Church are to contribute the value of two meals (at least) as a voluntary fast offering for the relief of those who are hungry or otherwise in distress.

President Heber J. Grant
President David O. McKay
Melvin J. Ballard
President Spencer W. Kimball
Delbert L. Stapley
Mark E. Petersen
Related Witnesses
Marion G. Romney
Delbert L. Stapley
Elder Harold B. Lee

President Heber J. Grant

President David O. McKay

The regularly constituted fast consists of abstinence from food once each month, that is, it means missing two meals on the first Sunday of each month. The value of those two meals given as voluntary donation for the relief of those who are hungry or otherwise in distress constitutes the fast offering. Think what the sincere observance of this rule would mean spiritually if every man, woman, and child were to observe the fast and contribute the resultant offering, with the sincere desire of blessing the less fortunate brother or sister or sorrowing child
It is God's way. You say people don't like charity? Why, it should not be administered as charity; but as a co-operative plan of mutual service adopted for the benefit of all. ("On Fasting," IE1963Mar:156-57) TLDP:198

Melvin J. Ballard

Our difficulty is that we have not all used the Lord's plan as we should. What ought that contribution, our fast offering, be, to be the equivalent of two meals? I would like to suggest that there isn't anything that this present generation needs so much as the power of self-control; appetite is stronger than will. Men's passions dominate their lives. If there is one thing that we need to recover, it is the power of self-control over the physical body; to deny it good food that would not be injurious, for two meals, has obtained a mastery over self; and the greatest battle any of us shall ever fight is with self.
I am charged to take possession of this house, this mortal tabernacle, and it is to be my servant. I am not to abuse it but keep it vigorous, clean, healthy, and strong. This exercise of controlling it once a month, that it must fast, is a healthy exercise of spiritual control over the material. If I can do this with regard to food, when this body craves something that is positively hurtful, then I have obtained power to say: "You cannot have it." Thus spiritual control over the body, in all its activities, may be secured, beginning with control over the appetite. (Sermons and Missionary Services of Melvin J. Ballard, p. 157) TLDP:199

President Spencer W. Kimball

Each member should contribute a generous fast offering for the care of the poor and the needy. This offering should at least be the value of the two meals not eaten while fasting.
"Sometimes we have been a bit penurious and figured that we had for breakfast one egg and that cost so many cents and then we give that to the Lord. I think that when we are affluent, as many of us are, that we ought to be very, very generous. . . .
"I think we should . . . give, instead of the amount saved by our two meals of fasting, perhaps much, much more—ten times more when we are in a position to do it." ( See CR1974Apr:184.) CR1977Oct:126

Delbert L. Stapley

Most Latter-day Saints, I think, understand the doing without two meals in connection with the monthly fast and giving the cash equivalent to the bishop as fast offerings, but I am wondering along with our fasting, do we gather our families together and pray with them that they may enjoy the blessings of the Lord? Do we also understand that the true fast presupposes self-restraint and purity of body by refraining from all bodily gratifications and indulgences? It seems to me that the soul cannot be humbled nor sanctified for the blessings of God unless this is true. CR1951Oct:123

Mark E. Petersen

I believe that in many ways, here and now in mortality, we can begin to perfect ourselves. A certain degree of perfection is attainable in this life. . . . We can be one hundred percent perfect in paying a full and honest tithing. We can be one hundred percent perfect in abstaining from eating two meals on fast day and giving to the bishop as fast offering the value of those two meals from which we abstain. CR1950Apr:153

Related Witnesses:

Marion G. Romney

If we will double our fast offerings, we shall increase our own prosperity, both spiritually and temporally. This the Lord has promised, and this has been the record. ("Basics of Church Welfare," address to the Priesthood Board, March 6, 1974, p. 10) MPSG1986:117

Delbert L. Stapley

[T]here are two main requirements of this oath and covenant. First is faithfulness, which denotes obedience to the laws of God and connotes true observance of all gospel standards. For better understanding of the oath and covenant of the priesthood, may I propound. . . .
. . . . Can a man be faithful who does not pay an honest tithing and fast offering? CR1957Apr:76

Elder Harold B. Lee

If we would be united in paying our fast offerings and observing the law of the fast as fully as the Lord has taught it, and if we were united in carrying out the principles of the welfare program as they have been given to us by our leaders today, we would be free from want and distress and would be able fully to care for our own. Our failure to be united would be to allow our needy to become the pawns of politicians in the public mart. CR1950Apr:96-97

869. We are to be very generous in the giving of fast offerings.

Marion G. Romney
Marion G. Romney
President Spencer W. Kimball
President Joseph F. Smith
President Heber J. Grant
Elder Heber J. Grant
President Wilford Woodruff
Joseph B. Wirthlin
Henry B. Eyring
Joseph B. Wirthlin
Related Witnesses
Paul

Marion G. Romney

Be liberal in your giving, that you yourselves may grow. Don't give just for the benefit of the poor, but give for your own welfare. Give enough so that you can give yourself into the kingdom of God through consecrating of your means and your time. Pay an honest tithing and a generous fast offering if you want the blessings of heaven. I promise every one of you who will do it that you will increase your own prosperity, both spiritually and temporally. The Lord will reward you according to your deeds. ("The Blessings of the Fast," EN1982Jul:4) TLDP:200

Marion G. Romney

While we await the redemption of Zion and the earth and the establishment of the United Order, we as bearers of the priesthood should live strictly by the principles of the United Order insofar as they are embodied in present church practices, such as fast offering, tithing, and the welfare activities. Through these practices we could as individuals, if we were of a mind to do so, implement in our own lives all the basic principles of the United Order.
As you will recall, the principles underlying the United Order are consecration and stewardships and then the contribution of surpluses into the bishop's storehouse. . . .
What prohibits us from giving as much in fast offerings as we would have given in surpluses under the United Order? Nothing but our own limitations. CR1966Apr:100

President Spencer W. Kimball

Sometimes we have been a bit penurious and figured that we had for breakfast one egg and that cost so many cents and then we give that to the Lord. I think that when we are affluent, as many of us are, that we ought to be very, very generous. . . .
I think we should . . . give, instead of the amount saved by our two meals of fasting, perhaps much, much more—ten times more when we are in a position to do it. CR1974Apr:184

President Joseph F. Smith

It is, therefore, incumbent upon every Latter-day Saint to give to his bishop, on fast day, the food that he or his family would consume for the day, that it may be given to the poor for their benefit and blessing; or, in lieu of the food that its equivalent amount, or if the person be wealthy a liberal donation, in money be so reserved and dedicated to the poor. . . . ("Observance of Fast Day," IE1902Dec:148-49) TLDP:198

President Heber J. Grant

Now, I believe that people are blessed in proportion to their liberality. I am not saying that they always make more dollars, perhaps. . . . I believe that to those who are liberal the Lord gives ideas, and they grow in capacity and ability more rapidly than those that are stingy. ("Settlement," IE1941Jan:9,56) TLDP:694

Elder Heber J. Grant

If the people will pay their tithes and offerings, they will not only be blessed in their material affairs, but they will be abundantly blessed with increased outpouring of the Spirit of the Lord. . . .
I bear witness to you, as an Apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ, that material and spiritual prosperity is predicated upon the fulfillment of the duties and responsibilities that rest upon us a Latter-day Saints. CR1899Oct:19

President Wilford Woodruff,

in behalf of the Council of the Twelve
We have only to look around us to satisfy ourselves also, that those who are generous in contributing to God's work are favored of the Lord. This was the experience of ancient Israel, and it is our experience, Yet in regard to voluntary donations there is too much carelessness, notwithstanding all the precious promises connected therewith. The Saints should be reminded of the obligation which rests upon them. Our children, also, should be taught this duty, that it may become a fixed habit with them to punctually attend to these matters. Those who have strictly observed these requirements can testify to the great pleasure and many rewards they have received from their observance.
This law of liberality appears to be one of the safeguards which the Lord has adopted to avert from his people the evil consequences which follow the possession of wealth. He has told us that the riches of the earth are His to give; but He has warned us to beware of pride, lest we become as the Nephites of old. We know the ruin it wrought for them, and we should spare no precaution to prevent wealth having a disastrous effect upon us. Many can endure poverty and be humble and live near the Lord who cannot bear riches. They become lifted up in pride and become covetous, and forget their God. Those, however, who remember constantly the teachings of the Lord concerning the earth and its inhabitants, and who contribute of the means which the Lord gives them to assist the poor and help carry forward the work of God, exercise a check upon themselves and give Satan less power to lead them astray. Under the present system of affairs, those who supply themselves and their families with luxuries and advantages that are denied their neighbors, are in danger of becoming separated from the bulk of the people and forming a distinct class. But the day will come when a more perfect order will be introduced. Then it will be said there are no poor and no rich in Zion—that is, we shall not be divided into classes, but shall all possess everything of this character necessary for our comfort and happiness. But until then, if we wish our families and ourselves to remain Latter-day Saints, we must be especially careful to guard against the deceitfulness of riches. (General conference, Oct. 1887, epistle to the Church, see MOFP3:133-55) MOFP3:142-43; TLDP:716-17

Joseph B. Wirthlin

How much should we pay in fast offerings? My brothers and sisters, the measure of our offering to bless the poor is a measure of our gratitude to our Heavenly Father. Will we, who have been blessed so abundantly, turn our backs on those who need our help? Paying a generous fast offering is a measure of our willingness to consecrate ourselves to relieve the suffering of others. (CR 2001Apr; The Law of the Fast, Ensign, May 2001, p.73)

Henry B. Eyring

Joseph B. Wirthlin

Contributing a generous fast offering blesses the givers richly and allows them to become partners with the Lord and the bishop in helping relieve suffering and fostering self-reliance. In our prosperous circumstances, perhaps we should evaluate our offerings and decide if we are as generous with the Lord as He is with us. (CR 1999Apr; Inspired Church Welfare, Ensign, May 1999, p.76)

Related Witnesses:

Paul

Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. (Letter to the Church at Corinth, Greece, about A.D. 55) 2 Corinthians 9:7

We Believe: Doctrines and Principles

Wednesday, November 27, 2013

Welfare Program: Temporary Assistance

861. We are to care for the poor, the needy, and the sick and afflicted.

862. Parents are to support their minor children.

Related Witnesses:

863. Adult children have the responsibility to support their parents when they are in need.

Related Witnesses:

864. If Church members are unable to sustain themselves, they are to call upon their own families, and then upon the Church, in that order.

Related Witnesses:

866. The Lord's way for Church members to provide for the welfare of the needy is this: donations and offerings are to be given to the bishop, who in turn distributes them to the needy.

Related Witnesses:

867. Fast offering donations are a Church-constituted means for providing for the poor.

Related Witnesses:

868. Members of the Church are to contribute the value of two meals (at least) as a voluntary fast offering for the relief of those who are hungry or otherwise in distress.

869. We are to be very generous in the giving of fast offerings.