Elderly parents/ parent-in-laws
1 Timothy 5:8- Take care of them
Proverbs 23:22- Listen and do not neglect
Job 12:12- Typically brings wisdom
Exodus 20:12- Honor them
1 Timothy 5:8 New International Version
8 Anyone who does not provide for their relatives, and especially for their own household, has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.
We see in 1 Timothy 5:8 God’s view on family. Men who walk out on their family or who disregards their non-immediate family, Paul considers it such a grave sin that it is as if they have denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. As our parents grow older in age or find themselves fighting disease or illness, we as spiritual leaders in our households must be prepared to not only help them physically and mentally but most importantly, spiritually. We honor them by helping them stay connected to the body of Christ. This may be driving them to church, having them stay at your house in an empty bedroom, visiting periodically, or simply using technology to help them stay connected.
Older age often can bring the wisdom of experience. Aged experience that is steeped in spiritual wisdom can provide us as caregivers with the joyous blessing of seeing how the living Word of God has impacted their life. Or the experience of sharing God’s Words of encouragement, peace, joy, and even salvation if necessary.
Discussion Questions:
1. Some of you are currently experiencing this, so in what ways, have you helped your parent or parent-in-laws stay or get connected spiritually? In what ways, could you possibly help them stay or get connected?
2. Can anyone share any spiritual wisdom gained by the experience of a elderly parent or elderly mentor?
1 Timothy 5:8- Take care of them
Proverbs 23:22- Listen and do not neglect
Job 12:12- Typically brings wisdom
Exodus 20:12- Honor them
1 Timothy 5:8 New International Version
8 Anyone who does not provide for their relatives, and especially for their own household, has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.
We see in 1 Timothy 5:8 God’s view on family. Men who walk out on their family or who disregards their non-immediate family, Paul considers it such a grave sin that it is as if they have denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. As our parents grow older in age or find themselves fighting disease or illness, we as spiritual leaders in our households must be prepared to not only help them physically and mentally but most importantly, spiritually. We honor them by helping them stay connected to the body of Christ. This may be driving them to church, having them stay at your house in an empty bedroom, visiting periodically, or simply using technology to help them stay connected.
Older age often can bring the wisdom of experience. Aged experience that is steeped in spiritual wisdom can provide us as caregivers with the joyous blessing of seeing how the living Word of God has impacted their life. Or the experience of sharing God’s Words of encouragement, peace, joy, and even salvation if necessary.
Discussion Questions:
1. Some of you are currently experiencing this, so in what ways, have you helped your parent or parent-in-laws stay or get connected spiritually? In what ways, could you possibly help them stay or get connected?
2. Can anyone share any spiritual wisdom gained by the experience of a elderly parent or elderly mentor?