Giving freely: 'spiritually refining experience' for all
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"The scriptures speak of tithes and of offerings; they do not speak of assessments or fund-raising. To be an offering, it must be given freely - offered," Elder Boyd K. Packer of the Quorum of the Twelve said in an address he delivered at the April 1990 general conference.
Elder Packer said that members have opportunities to "participate in this spiritually refining experience" of contributing to the work of the Lord."Some of you know families overburdened with missionary and other expenses. Offer to help. The bishop can act as intermediary, and you can give the anonymous gift. What a privilege. It has to be done carefully, lest we undo the self-reliant part," Elder Packer said.
He then quoted the Book of Mormon prophet Jacob:
" `Come, my brethren, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters; and he that hath no money, come buy and eat; yea, Come buy wine and milk without money and without price.' " (2 Ne. 9:50; italics added.)
Elder Packer said: "For those who can and are willing, there comes the opportunity to make generous offerings. In leaving decisions to you, do you not see the fundamental doctrine of moral agency asserting itself? Do you not see the change from assessment to offering something of the testing which is fundamental to our mortal probation?"
