The post war baby boom generation will turn 60 in 2006 so many are now facing the problem of how to care for aging parents. The 5th commandment says, “Honour your father and your mother” [ Exodus 20:12 ] and this applies from our childhood through to their old age. The Bible makes it plain that children and grandchildren must care for their parents and grandparents in old age. [ 1 Timothy 5:4 ]

Because humans were created in the image of God, we must always respect this dignity bestowed upon them. We should pray for grace to see what an honour it is to be able to please God by willingly giving time showing compassion to those who have worked hard to bring up children or to serve the community when they were younger. It helps us to be patient and sympathetic towards the elderly when we remember that if God spares us we too will have to endure the trials of old age. We should therefore obey the golden rule taught by Jesus when He said, “Do to others as you would have them do to you.” [ Luke 6:31 ]

Like many churches, our church conducts regular services in various homes for the elderly. They love to choose and sing the old hymns and to hear the Bible stories. It’s good too that most of them can recite John chapter 3 verse 16 by memory from their Sunday School days. Sadly in about 20 years time most of the next generation who never went to Sunday School will not know the moral strength and comfort that flows from the Bible and hymn singing.

Finally, if it’s at all possible it’s usually best for old people who can no longer live on their own to live with some of their family, punctuated by brief periods of respite care.