followHIM Podcast Summary

Episode: Faith Paid My Tuition • followHIM Favorites • October 13-19 • Come Follow Me
Hosts: Hank Smith & John Bytheway
Date: October 9, 2025
Main Section Covered: Doctrine & Covenants 115-120 (emphasis on tithing, Section 119)

Episode Overview

This short "followHIM Favorites" episode centers on faith, sacrifice, and the blessings that come from paying tithing, as illustrated by a powerful true story shared by President Gordon B. Hinckley. The hosts discuss real-life applications of the law of tithing, the emotional and spiritual wrestles that can accompany choosing to be obedient, and the personal and promised blessings that follow, even when immediate answers seem impossible.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. President Hinckley's Story: Faith Amid Financial Crisis

• [00:02] The episode opens with a story President Hinckley shared about a woman in São Paulo, Brazil, facing a painful dilemma: Should she pay her tithing or her university tuition?
• The university's rule: students with unpaid debts could not take exams, risking their academic future.
• Upon receiving her salary, she realized she could not afford both tithing and tuition.

2. Spiritual Struggle and Resolution

• Faced with the choice, she wrestled with deep anxiety for several days, feeling torn between financial prudence and covenant obedience.
• The breakthrough came when she remembered her baptismal promise to God, not just to the missionaries or the church.
• Quote:

  "It was then that I remembered that when I was baptized, I had agreed to live the law of tithing. I had taken upon myself this obligation not with the missionaries, but with my Heavenly Father." (Sister, quoting President Hinckley, [01:34])

• This realization brought her peace; she prayed, repented for her indecision, and willingly paid her tithing before sacrament meeting.

3. Unforeseen Blessings & the Windows of Heaven

• The following day at work, her strict, distant employer unexpectedly inquired about her studies.
• Turning Point:

  "My employer... out of the blue asked, 'How is college?' ... The secretary entered saying, 'You are a very fortunate person... the company is going to pay fully for your college and books.'" (Sister, [02:57])

• The woman’s reaction highlights her humility:

  "I told Heavenly Father he didn't need to bless me so much. I only needed the cost of one month. And the tithing I paid... was very small compared to the amount I was receiving." (Sister, [04:04])

• She connects her experience to the famous promise in Malachi:

  "'Prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of Hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven...'" ([04:22])

4. Reflection & Application

• The hosts discuss the universality of such stories, especially in areas where Saints take the Malachi challenge to heart:

  "In Brazil, there isn't just one story like that. There are hundreds... of people taking that Malachi promise seriously: 'Prove me now herewith, and just watch.'" (John, [04:54])

• The purpose of tithing:

  "The Lord is saying, I don't need tithing. You need tithing. I need that check on my life every month. It's a continual thing... The Lord needs to ask me every month, 'Do you love me more than these?'" (Sister, [05:08])

• They reflect on the simplicity and faith-testing element of tithing:

  "I feel like tithing is one of the easier commandments because it's just some simple math. ... I have a testimony of it, too." (John, [05:45])

5. Scriptural Tie-In & Testimony

• Comparison to Christ's question to Peter, "Do you love me more than these?"—illustrating the deeper spiritual implications of tithing and priorities.
• Affirmation of faith in tithing and its blessings, both seen and unseen.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “It was then that I remembered that when I was baptized, I had agreed to live the law of tithing... with my Heavenly Father.” — Sister (quoting President Hinckley, [01:34])
• "I told Heavenly Father he didn't need to bless me so much. I only needed the cost of one month." — Sister ([04:04])
• “'Prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of Hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven...’ Up to that moment, I had never felt the magnitude of the promise contained in that scripture.” — Sister ([04:22])
• "There isn't just one story like that. There’s hundreds… people taking that Malachi promise seriously: ‘Prove me now... and just watch.’" — John ([04:54])
• "The Lord is saying, ‘I don't need tithing. You need tithing.'" — Sister ([05:08])
• "I feel like tithing is one of the easier commandments because it's just some simple math… I have a testimony of it, too." — John ([05:45])

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [00:02] – Introduction and context of D&C 119, story setup
• [01:34] – The woman's spiritual wrestle and realization about tithing
• [02:57] – Miracle at work: employer pays her school costs
• [04:04] – Her humble prayer and connecting Malachi’s promise
• [04:54] – John: Universality of such blessings from tithing faith
• [05:08] – Reflection: who truly benefits from tithing
• [05:45] – Personal testimonies of tithing's simplicity and blessings

Tone & Style

Conversational, faith-promoting, and relatable, with humor and heartfelt reflection. The hosts and the quoted story emphasize personal wrestling, faith in divine promises, and gratitude for unexpected blessings.

Conclusion

This episode delivers a poignant reminder that faith in paying tithing—even when it requires sacrifice—can result in spiritual and tangible blessings beyond what we anticipate. The story, reflections, and scriptural insights serve as both inspiration and testimony to listeners wrestling with their own sacrifices.

Listen to the full discussion on the main podcast episode with Dr. Alex Baugh for deeper historical context on D&C 115–120.