Title: Take Good Care of Your Oldies.

Exodus 20:12  Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.

Devotion: To grow old is a sacred gift—a privilege bestowed by God. Proverbs 16:31 reminds us, “Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is gained in a righteous life.” Longevity itself is divine favor, but even more so is the blessing of having children who love, respect, and care for their parents in the sunset years of life.

  Yet, not all who age experience this comfort. Some find themselves isolated, overlooked, and forgotten. This is not merely a social failing—it is a spiritual one. Scripture speaks repeatedly about the importance of honoring elders, especially our parents, regardless of their shortcomings.

  Ephesians 6:2–3 says, “Honor your father and mother”—which is the first commandment with a promise—“so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.” Notice it does not qualify the command—it doesn’t say “only if they were perfect parents.” It simply says to honor them.

  Jesus Himself modeled this honor. Even during the agony of the crucifixion, He saw to His mother’s care, telling the disciple John, “Here is your mother” (John 19:27). He saw her, respected her, and ensured her well-being.

  Sometimes, the suffering of elders in solitude arises from a painful cycle: some parents may have failed to nurture or train their children well, while others may have children who simply lack the means to provide support. Still, the biblical principle remains steadfast—children are called to honor their parents, and society is called to cherish its elders.

   In 1 Timothy 5:8, Paul writes, “Anyone who does not provide for their relatives, and especially for their own household, has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.” Caring for aging parents isn’t optional—it’s deeply spiritual.

  Consider Naomi and Ruth. Though Naomi had lost her sons, her daughter-in-law Ruth remained faithful, saying, “Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God” (Ruth 1:16). Ruth’s unwavering loyalty to Naomi is a profound illustration of honoring family—even beyond blood ties.

  So let us raise a standard of compassion. Whether we are children or community members, whether our parents were nurturing or flawed—we are called to respect them. Care is not just a gesture, it’s a commandment that carries the fragrance of heaven.

   Let our homes echo grace and our hands extend comfort. May we remember the old ones not as burdens but as blessings, worthy of love, dignity, and reverence.

©Dr Joel Olanrewaju, I am available at gbemide09@gmail.com. Share your thoughts with me through the channel you received this. Feel free to share with your contacts.