Jehovah Rewards Those Who Care

Caring for older ones results in many blessings. Associating with the elderly and being able to draw on their knowledge and experience is in itself a privilege. Caregivers experience the greater happiness that comes from giving, as well as a sense off accomplishment and inner peace from having fulfilled their Scriptural responsibility. (Acts 20:35) Moreover, those who care for the elderly need not fear that they themselves will be abandoned in their later years.  God's word assures us:  "The generous soul will itself be made fat, and the one freely watering others will himself also be freely watered." -Proverbs 11:25. 

Jehovah rewards God-fearing children, overseers, and other caring Christians for unselfishly tending to the needs of elderly fellow believers. Such a spirit is in line with this proverb:  "He that is showing favor to the lowly one is lending to Jehovah, and his treatment He will repay to him." (Proverbs 19:17)  If love prompts us to show favor to the lowly and the poor, God considers   such giving to be a loan that he repays us for giving loving care to our elderly fellow worshipers, many of whom are 'poor respecting the world bu rich in faith.' -James 2:5. 

How generous God's repayment is!  It includes everlasting life.  For the vast majority of Jehovah's servants, that will be life eternal on a paradise earth, where the effects of inherited sin will be eliminated and faithful elderly ones will enjoy the restoration of their youthful vigor.  (Revelation 21:3-5)  While we await that blessed time, may we continue to fulfill our Christian responsibility to care for the elderly.  

Next time: JEHOVAH'S WORD IS ALIVE-Highlights From the Book of Leviticus

From the Watchtower magazine, 2004