Rise in the presence of the aged, show respect for the elderly and revere your God. I am the Lord. --Leviticus 19:32 

Honor should be given to senior citizens—period. It’s in the Bible. Older men and women with years of experience and wisdom must be treated with respect. So, why does this matter to you since you’re already a senior citizen?

It needs to be passed down to the younger generations. Children, teenagers, and even some young adults today are being raised without knowledge and practice of this valuable rule. It is your responsibility to share this with your already grown children, grandchildren, and even great-grandchildren because it’s in the Bible.

“Never speak sharply to an older man, but please with him respectfully just as though he were your own father. … Treat the older women as mothers” (1 Timothy 5:1-2, TLB). How many young people do you know who truly speak to older adults with the utmost respect? There aren’t many in today’s society. There’s no respect for parents, government authority, school educators, much less the elderly.

And while there are exceptions, as a senior adult, you must leave behind the legacy of respect for older generations. Many young people don’t realize the value in the wisdom and experience that a senior adult can give. “The glory of young men is their strength; of old men, their experience” (Proverbs 20:29, TLB).

If senior adults begin instilling these values into the younger generations, the respect you deserve will not be lost. In Psalm 71, the Bible records a senior citizen’s prayer. “And now that I am old and gray, don’t forsake me. Give me time to tell this new generation (and their children too) about all Your mighty miracles” (Psalm 71:18, TLB). As men and women of age, there is much for you to teach the younger generations—don’t delay!

PRAYER CHALLENGE: Ask God to show you a young person whom you can mentor and share godly wisdom and experience. 

Click here to visit Senior Living Ministry’s website