The Word of God for Seniors
and Those Who Care for Them
Five biblical voices that speak to honor, patience, dignity, commitment, and support in the journey of aging and caregiving.
The Voice of God in the Proverbs
Scripture presents aging with honor and calls younger generations to listen, respect, and value those who have gone before them.
“The glory of young men is their strength; and the beauty of old men is the grey head.”
Gray hair is a distinctive mark of the elderly, comparable to how strength characterizes youth—a natural distinction rather than a deficiency. A silver-haired head becomes a crown of glory when it belongs to someone who walks in righteousness.
“Listen to your father who begot you, and do not despise your mother when she is old.”
Younger people are commanded to listen to their parents and refrain from contempt toward aging mothers, making respect for the elderly a matter of obedience rather than mere sentiment.
The Voice of Those Who Helped the Paralytic
“Then they came to Him, bringing a paralytic who was carried by four men.”
The Voice of Jesus to Peter
“Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were young, you used to dress yourself and walk wherever you wanted, but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will dress you and carry you where you do not want to go.”
The Reality of Aging
Jesus speaks directly to the reality of growing older.
The Requirement of Assistance
There are seasons when another person must help carry what can no longer be carried alone.
The Dignity of Intimate Care
Receiving personal assistance does not remove dignity; the passage speaks openly about the closeness care may require.
The Voices of Ruth and Naomi
“And they lifted up their voice, and wept again; and Orpah kissed her mother-in-law; but Ruth clung to her.”
“The key is the cling.”
Clung is a picture of sticking together in a relationship of commitment. Ruth had a “day job” working in the field for Boaz and taking care of Naomi. She had to take care of herself and take care of Naomi.
“Bear ye one another’s burdens…”
“For every man shall bear his own burden.”
Caregivers Carry Two Loads
Caretakers must carry the load of the senior they serve—and carry the loads in their own lives.
The Voice of Moses
“When Moses’ hands grew tired, they took a stone and put it under him and he sat on it. Aaron and Hur held his hands up—one on one side, one on the other…”
You Will Get Tired
Care and responsibility can become physically and emotionally demanding.
You Will Need an Aaron
A priest who could “get a prayer through”; someone close to you who prays for you and with you.
You Will Need a Hur
A judge with discernment; someone who can help you see what you can’t see.
God Blesses Seniors
and Those Who Care for Them
A page built to honor the senior, strengthen the caregiver, and keep both rooted in the Word of God.