Caring for One Another

It is not only children with aged parents and appointed servants who should be concerned about the elderly. Comparing the Christian congregation to the human body, Paul wrote: "God compounded the body, giving honor more abundant to the part which had  a lack, so that there should be no division in the body, but that its members should have the same care for one another."  (1 Corinthians 12:24, 25)  Another translation reads:  "All the different parts of [the body are] to make each other's welfare their common care." (Know) For the Christian congregation to function harmoniously, each member must be concerned about the well-being of his fellow believers, including the elderly. -Galatians 6:2.  

Christian meetings afford a fine opportunity to show our interest in the elderly. (Philippians 2:4; Hebrews 10:24, 25)  Do we take time to converse with older ones on such occasions?  While it may be appropriate to inquire about their physical well-being, could we "impart some spiritual gift," perhaps by sharing an up building experience or a Scriptural thought?  Since some older ones have limited mobility, it would be kind to go to them rather than expect them to come to us. If hearing is a problem, we may need to speak slowly and enunciate clearly. And if there is to be a true "interchange of encouragement,"we must listen attentively to what the older person says. -Romans 1:11, 12.

What if certain older ones cannot attend Christian meetings?  James 1:27 shows that it is  our duty  "to look after orphans and widows in their tribulation."  One meaning of the Greek verb translated "to look after" is "to visit." (Acts 15:36) And how the elderly appreciate our visits!  While imprisoned in Rome about 65 C.E., the "aged man" Paul found himself practically alone. He longed to see his fellow worker Timothy and wrote:  "Do your utmost to come to me shortly." (Philemon 9; 2 Timothy 1:3, 4; 4:9)  Although they are not literally prisoners, some elderly ones are housebond because of health problems. In effect, they may be saying, 'please do your best to visit me soon.' Are we respon ding to such appeals?

Never underestimate the beneficial effects of visiting an elderly spiritual brother or sister. When a Christian named Onesiphorus was in Rome, he diligently looked for Paul, found him, and thereafter  'often brought him refreshment.' (2 Timothy 1:16, 17)  "I love spending time with  younger ones" says one elderly sister.  "What I like most is that they treat me like a member of their family. It lifts my spirits." Another older Christian states:  "I really appreciate it when someone sends me a card, calls me on the phone for just a few minutes, or visits me for a while. It is like a breath of fresh air." 

Next time: Jehovah Rewards Those Who Care

From the Watchtower magazine, 2004