Elder Jorge T. Becerra, General Authority Seventy, spoke during the Saturday morning session of April 2026 general conference about tithing. The following is a summary of what he said.
Elder Becerra’s talk summary
In the Book of Mormon, the prophet Alma taught the people of Gideon to avoid a dilemma experienced by their neighbors in Zarahemla. That dilemma was a type of double-mindedness.
“A double-minded person is one who is wavering, indecisive or conflicted; someone who lacks commitment to a single purpose or belief.”
Focusing first on God brings blessings.
“From the beginning of time God has taught His children to put Him first in their lives.”
The Lord commanded Adam and Eve to worship God and offer the firstlings of their flocks as a sacrifice to Him.
“Payment of tithes and offerings will enhance our spiritual capacity as we put God first and offer our ‘firstlings of the flock.’”
Spiritual power and direction that individuals have not previously had will come into their lives as they honor the law of obedience and the law of sacrifice.
“Evidence of this truth is found in the simple statement of the Lord after Adam had offered sacrifice, ‘And in that day the Holy Ghost fell upon Adam’ (Moses 5:9).”
Jesus Christ is the perfect example of putting God first. He laid down His life as a symbol of submission to His Father’s will.
Read the full text of Elder Becerra’s talk: ‘Tithing — Putting God First’
Notable quotes
“From the beginning of time God has taught His children to put Him first in their lives.”
“Payment of tithes and offerings will enhance our spiritual capacity as we put God first and offer our ‘firstlings of the flock.’”
“Jesus Christ is the perfect example of how to put God first in our lives.”
Who is Elder Becerra?
- Elder Jorge T. Becerra is a General Authority Seventy serving as the second counselor in the Utah Area presidency.
- Elder Becerra served a mission as a young man in the California Arcadia Mission, where he met fellow missionary and his future wife, Sister Debbie I. Schneberger.
- Elder and Sister Becerra later returned to the California Arcadia Mission when he was called to be the mission’s president.
What has Elder Becerra done recently?
- Elder Becerra spoke in the April 2021 general conference about lifting those in need.
- Elder Becerra presided at the media day of the Lindon Utah Temple days before that temple’s public open house began.
- Elder Becerra presided at the groundbreaking of Colombia’s third temple — the Cali Colombia Temple — in March 2025.
Read Elder Becerra’s previous general conference addresses.
