The Bible has a lot to say about how we should treat elderly people. As societies age, the treatment of the elderly is becoming more and more important. The Bible provides timeless principles for honoring and caring for older people. Let’s explore what the Bible teaches on this vital topic.
The Bible Commands Us to Honor the Elderly
One of the clearest biblical teachings is that we should honor our elders. This starts with honoring our own parents as we grow up:
“Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land that the Lord your God is giving you.” (Exodus 20:12)
As adults, we are to continue honoring both our own parents and the older people in our communities:
“You shall stand up before the gray head and honor the face of an old man, and you shall fear your God: I am the Lord.” (Leviticus 19:32)
What does honoring the elderly look like in practice? The Bible associates it with respect, deference and care for the aged. We are to treat older people as special, listen to their wisdom and meet their needs.
Caring for Widows and the Vulnerable
A significant application of honoring the elderly is caring for widows. In ancient society, widows were particularly vulnerable as they aged. The Bible repeatedly emphasizes making sure widows are protected and provided for:
“Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.” (James 1:27)
“Honor widows who are truly widows.” (1 Timothy 5:3)
As God’s people, we are called to seek out vulnerable seniors who need support. This includes widows, as well as any impoverished, sick or disabled elderly people in our communities.
Caring for Aging Parents
Another clear biblical principle is caring for our own aging parents. This goes hand-in-hand with honoring them. As parents grow old, they often depend more and more on their children. Obeying God means being there for them at this important stage of life.
Joseph is a great example of honoring one’s father. When Joseph was in a position of great power in Egypt, he brought his elderly father and all his family under his protection (Genesis 47:1-12). Likewise, we should use any authority or means we have to care for our aging parents.
Hearing and Heeding the Elderly
The Bible also teaches that elderly believers have wisdom to share from their long lives. Younger people should listen to their counsel and guidance:
“You shall rise up before the grayheaded and honor the aged, and you shall revere your God; I am the LORD.” (Leviticus 19:32)
“Hear, my son, your father’s instruction, and forsake not your mother’s teaching” (Proverbs 1:8)
Older saints have decades of experience walking with God. Their advice and insights should not be taken lightly. We can learn immensely from their lives if we will just listen.
The Ministry of the Elderly
Serving God does not end when we grow old. The Bible contains many examples of how the elderly can continue in ministry:
- Moses was 80 years old when God called him to lead Israel out of Egypt (Exodus 7:7). He served faithfully into his old age.
- Caleb was 85 when he conquered the Anakim giants, because he wholly followed the Lord (Joshua 14:6-14).
- Anna was an elderly prophetess who served God night and day in the Temple with fastings and prayers (Luke 2:36-38).
- Paul wrote 2 Timothy as an old man nearing the end of his life and ministry (2 Timothy 4:6-8).
While caring for the elderly, we must not neglect their continued capacity for serving the Lord. Older saints may need to adjust how they serve, but they should continue using all their gifts and abilities for God’s kingdom.
Including Seniors in the Church
One important way to honor and care for older believers is by making sure seniors are included and welcomed in the church. Age segregation has become common in many churches, but this trend goes against biblical values of intergenerational unity.
Churches can support the elderly by:
- Providing transportation help to services
- Making facilities handicap accessible
- Providing Bibles and songbooks in large print
- Having greeters to welcome seniors and sit with them
- Creating opportunities for younger members to visit elderly saints
The church should be a spiritual family that cares for believers of all ages. Let’s strive to make the elderly feel valued and included in our congregations.
The Blessing of Long Life
One final biblical truth about the aged is that long life and gray hair are considered a blessing from God:
The glory of young men is their strength, but the splendor of old men is their gray hair.” (Proverbs 20:29)
“The righteous flourish like the palm tree and grow like a cedar in Lebanon. They are planted in the house of the LORD; they flourish in the courts of our God. They still bear fruit in old age; they are ever full of sap and green.” (Psalm 92:12-14)
While aging brings challenges, the Bible considers longevity a reward for righteous living. We should rejoice with those who are blessed with many years on this earth.
Conclusion
The Bible clearly values and honors the elderly. As Christians, we must combat ageism in our culture and uphold these same biblical values. All seniors deserve honor, care, protection, fellowship and purpose – not just when they are young, but all the way to the end of life.
Though aging can be difficult in many ways, God promises grace sufficient for each season. The righteous can have joy, purpose and hope throughout their latter years. By caring for and investing in the elderly around us, we bless them as God desires.