1999-03-14 - Older Brothers and Sisters

In some societies such as Japan, those who are aged are afforded special honor. Unfortunately, this is not universal. Sometimes in the U.S.A., the depth of wisdom of the elderly is valued less than a youthful appearance, and some businesses set arbitrary retirement ages. Though institutional care can be a necessity, too often the elderly are simply shunted aside. We are too busy to go visit those in nursing homes, and when we do, we are uncomfortable and leave as quickly as possible. God's word instructs us to care for the elderly, to show them respect and honor.

God's Love for Aged People

Mat 23:14 (NNAS) "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites, because you devour widows' houses, and for a pretense you make long prayers; therefore you will receive greater condemnation."

Jer 49:11 (NNAS) "Leave your orphans behind, I will keep them alive; And let your widows trust in Me."

The Older Members of Our Society and Churches

Lev 19:32 (NNAS) "'You shall rise up before the grayheaded and honor the aged, and you shall revere your God; I am the LORD."

James 1:27 (NNAS) "Pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world."

1 Tim 5:3 (NNAS) "Honor widows who are widows indeed;"

The Older Members of Our Families

1 Tim 5:4 (NNAS) "but if any widow has children or grandchildren, they must first learn to practice piety in regard to their own family and to make some return to their parents; for this is acceptable in the sight of God."

1 Tim 5:8 (NNAS) "But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever."

Jan

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