Show No Disrespect

Do not sharply censure or rebuke an older man, but entreat and plead with him as [you would with] a father. Treat younger men like brothers; [Treat] older women like mothers [and] younger women like sisters, in all purity.

─ 1 Timothy 5:1-2 AMPC

Show No Disrespect

Ageism, prejudice or discrimination because of someone’s age, especially for the older generations, becomes more of an issue in our society each day. And it is not contained in the workplace but spreads across every area of life. Generations before taught youth to respect elders and to give an audience to those who hold wisdom, clearly an influence of God’s Word at work in our society.

Just as esteem for God’s Word seems to decline with each new decade in our world, society moves further away from biblical values. But the Bible leaves no room in the life of a Christ follower for disrespect of the elderly, regardless of their age or what faculties they still possess.

The words from 1 Timothy 5:1-2 instruct us to look upon older men and women with great respect and honor, interacting with them as we would our parents. This verse points to other scriptures:

• Exodus 20:12 to honor our fathers and mothers.
• Proverbs 23:22 to listen to your father and do not despise your mother when she is old. (Proverbs 23:22).

When Moses presented the Law God had given to him, He said to tell them, “Stand up in the presence of the aged, show respect for the elderly and revere your God” (Leviticus 19:32). When you honor others, you are honoring God.

Today’s One Thing

Take some time today to reflect on how you treat older people. Do you honor them by considering their words or asking for advice? Ask God how you can grow in wisdom from the older generation.

Additional Reading

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