Weekly Newsletter 07/14/2022

July 14th, 2022
by Dmitriy Zherebnenkov

Peace to you!

“You shall stand up before the gray head and honor the face of an old man, and you shall fear your God: I am the Lord.” (Lev. 19:32)

Many of us were taught since childhood how to behave properly in society. We learned to say, “Thank you,” “You’re welcome,” or for gentlement to take their hats off inside a building. So it was also in showing respect to the elderly: we refer to them with respectful titles, don’t interrupt them, and never argue with them.

But lately, for various reasons, this topic of respect and reverence towards the older generation is being neglected. Society openly ignores and abandons the older generation. This must not be so in the church!

We, as the church, obeying Scripture and desiring to please God, must have a right and biblical attitude towards the elderly. We have a few good instructions in Scripture that if followed, will give us the opportunity not only to give attention to our elderly, but also to spread evangelical influence on the surrounding world.

The text above speaks about a visible expression of respect towards the elderly, standing up before them. This isn’t difficult. This doesn’t take much, but it is a sign. It’s pleasant for them. And if this is done with the desire to please God, it carries with it gospel power.

In the Epistle to Titus (2:1-6), we find a unique biblical principle in relating to the elderly, accepting their admonition or instruction. Twice, in verses 4 and 6 there is a training or urging of the younger generation by the older. One of the most valuable aspects of the older generation is their life experience and experience walking before God. This cannot be disregarded. It is necessary to utilize this. This is another way of showing reverence and respect towards the elderly.

Another way of showing respect and reverence to the elderly is by actually caring for them and their needs. “When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, “Woman, behold, your son!” Then he said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother!” And from that hour the disciple took her to his own home.” (John 19:26-27). Even on the cross, Jesus cared for his mother.

Here are a few practical things we could all participate in:

Always greet those who are older, and do this before others.
Invite the elderly to your home for fellowship (they’ll surely be glad).
Visit those who’ve gotten sick or cannot attend church due to health reasons (we have a few people in the church like this).
Seek advice and wisdom from the elderly. This is pleasant for them and beneficial for you.
Show a living and real interest in the older generation.
If you see an elderly person wrong in something, instead of rebuke, respectfully encourage them (1 Tim. 5:1).
Add some specific elderly people to your daily prayer.

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Scripture To Memorize

Psalm 51:7-9

⁷Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean;
wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.
⁸Let me hear joy and gladness;
let the bones that you have broken rejoice.
⁹Hide your face from my sins,
and blot out all my iniquities.