“Do not rebuke an older man harshly, but exhort him as if he were your father. Treat younger men as brothers, older women as mothers, and younger women as sisters, with absolute purity” - 1 Timothy 5:1-2 (NIV)
Toward the end of my mom’s life, her days of clarity became fewer as her dementia advanced. When I would visit, I was touched by the tenderness that the nurses and aides showed her. Mom, though not remembering their names, would greet them with a smile and tell me they were her friends. Mom was an easy patient, not growing feisty as sometimes happens with the disease, but as I watched the care the staff extended to those who were, I was thankful for their compassion.
This experience reminds me of these verses, which advise us to treat older men as fathers and older women as mothers with respect and honor. The nurses and aides embodied this scripture through their actions. They showed respect and honor to my mom and other patients, treating them with the same care and compassion one would show to a beloved family member. Their gentle and respectful communication, even in challenging situations, reflected the biblical principle of treating others with dignity and love. This not only provided comfort to my mom but also brought me peace, knowing she was in caring hands.
Heavenly Father,
We come before You with grateful hearts, thanking You for Your presence and guidance. As we reflect on Your Word and its lessons, we ask for Your continued blessings upon each of us.
Grant us the wisdom to carry out Your will in our daily lives and the strength to serve others with love and compassion. May we always remember to show one another the respect and honor that Your Word teaches us, especially those who are vulnerable and in need of care.
Bless us, and help us be Your light in the world, reflecting Your love and grace in all we do.
In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Blessings,
Pastor Tim
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