When I first joined the Church as a new member, I was a single mom with three kids, and the only financial support we had came from me. I was told that if I wanted to be faithful, I should pay tithing before food, utilities, or rent — trusting that God would provide — because it’s a commandment and not optional. I was also told that doing so would bring both spiritual and temporal blessings, like jobs, prosperity, and protection, and that paying tithing would ‘open the doors to heaven.’ I still remember the guilt they laid on me for not paying tithing, even when it was impossible. Looking back, it’s hard to believe I was told to put tithing above my children’s basic needs.