What Does the Bible Say about Caring for the Elderly?
Scripture shares about taking care of the elderly and widows and widowers. “Elderly” can refer to older people, senior citizens, and grandparents. You may have heard the quote, “Age is just a number.” The number of years a person has lived helps give the reminder that every year is important and serves as an opportunity to share the love of Christ. As children, we have the opportunity to learn from those who are older. When we are older, we have the opportunity to share wisdom with younger people.
We are called to take care of each other. Jesus loved people of all ages. The commandment is given in Scripture. “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another” (John 13:34 NIV).
This call to love includes the young and old. The Bible tells us to give honor to our parents. “Honor your father and mother” — which is the first commandment with a promise—“so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth” (Ephesians 6:2-3 NIV).
The Bible tells that wisdom can be found in older adults.
While Jesus was dying on the cross, He asked John to take care of Mary, the mother of Jesus. In his last hours on earth, Jesus continued to care for His mother. “When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to her, “Woman, here is your son,” and to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” From that time on, this disciple took her into his home” (John 19:26 NIV).
Jesus trusted John to take care of His mother. What an important gift to be trusted to care for the mother of the Savior.
At times, there may be a need for specialized assistance for the elderly. There may be a medical concern, and living with relatives may not be an option. Prayer is always vital. Whether an assisted living community or nursing home has to be chosen, praying to God for guidance and wisdom can aid and bring peace to everyone.
Other situations may involve having an older person living with a younger family. This can be an opportunity to draw closer to each other and God. Family relationships can have many emotions—good moments of laughter and bad moments of disagreements. In every situation, the love of God and love for family can be shown.
5 Scriptures about Older People
1. “Do not cast me away when I am old; do not forsake me when my strength is gone.” (Psalm 71:9 NIV)
2. “Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, my God, till I declare your power to the next generation, your mighty acts to all who are to come.” (Psalm 71:18 NIV)
3. “Stand up in the presence of the aged, show respect for the elderly and revere your God. I am the Lord.” (Leviticus 19:32 NIV)
4. “Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.” (James 1:27 NIV)
5. “Blessed are those who find wisdom, those who gain understanding..” (Proverbs 3:13 NIV)
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