Text: 1 Timothy 5:1-25.
“Do not rebuke an older man but encourage him as you would a father, younger men as brothers, older women as mothers, younger women as sisters, in all purity,” verses 1(ESV). There are parents in a figurative form. Men or women, who originate, found and shepherd extended families, organizations and entities, becoming “elderly” in stature. It may also refer to one superior in age. We need to respect such people and treat them with respect as our parents. We must repent where we have cheated and not respected old people in our society and begin to treat them with the respect and kindness due to them.
Modern society celebrates youthfulness almost to idolatry levels. Gray hair is dreaded and yet it is symbol of honour especially if that age corresponds with growth in wisdom.
Reflect on verses 1-2, what is God teaching you in these verses? How do you treat people especially the old in your society?
Father, in the name of Jesus Christ, I thank You for the gift of old men and women in our society. Amen.