Showing Respect

Showing Respect

Stand up in the presence of the elderly, and show respect for the aged. Fear your God. I am the LORD.

Leviticus 19:32

The glory of the young is their strength; the gray hair of experience is the splendor of the old.

Proverbs 20:29

Listen to your father, who gave you life, and don’t despise your mother when she is old.

Proverbs 23:22

Have you ever given an older woman your seat or listened to an older man tell stories about his childhood? Have you ever invited an older couple to join you for a meal or asked for advice from a grandparent or mentor? Whether you have or not, do you think these actions are just good, old-fashioned manners, or are they more than that?

Showing respect and giving honor to older people are more than good manners; they are based on God’s Word and honor God himself. The respect we show (or don’t show) to older people is a window into the respect (or lack of respect) we have for God. We show respect in our body language—the way we sit, stand up straight, and look an older person in the eye when he or she speaks. We avoid using disrespectful tones of voice. We show interest in what the person has to say rather than ridiculing it or simply tuning it out. These are the ways we show respect to older people and, in doing so, show respect for God.

As we grow in our respect for the Lord, our growth should show itself in respect and honor for these people he has made in his image and put in our lives for a purpose. Any disregard—like rolling our eyes at what older people say or ignoring their requests or instructions—reveals that we think we are smarter and more with it than they are, and that we think their opinions, preferences, and experiences have little value. But when we seek to brighten the lives of older people by giving them the respect they deserve, we honor what they have to offer us and the world.

DISCUSSION STARTERS

What are some ways God has blessed you through having older people in your life? How have you benefited from their experience, wisdom, and love?

Why do you think older people tend to be disrespected in our society? How does it make any person feel to be ignored, ridiculed, or forgotten?

How could you be a blessing to some older people you know?