Honoring Aging Parents: The Biblical Imperative for Fundamentalist Christians

As fundamentalist Christians, we hold unswervingly to the inerrancy and authority of Scripture. God’s Word is not a suggestion—it is our infallible rule for faith and practice. One area where modern culture increasingly clashes with biblical truth is the treatment of aging parents. In a society that often marginalizes the elderly, warehouses them in institutions, or prioritizes personal convenience over family responsibility, believers are called to a radically different standard: lifelong honor, practical care, and reverent love toward our fathers and mothers.

The fifth commandment is explicit: “Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long upon the land which the Lord your God is giving you” (Exodus 20:12). Paul reinforces this in the New Testament, calling it “the first commandment with promise” (Ephesians 6:2-3). This duty does not expire when parents grow old, frail, or difficult. If anything, it intensifies.

1. Understanding Biblical Honor

Honor (Hebrew *kabed*) means to treat with weightiness, respect, and priority. It is not mere sentiment—it demands action. Leviticus 19:32 commands, “You shall rise before the gray head and honor the presence of an old man, and you shall fear your God: I am the Lord.” Rising in deference reflects an attitude of reverence that should mark our entire relationship with aging parents.

Jesus sharply rebuked the Pharisees for evading this duty through man-made traditions. In Mark 7:9-13, He condemned their “Corban” practice—declaring resources dedicated to God to avoid supporting parents—declaring, “You nullify the word of God” by your tradition. Any modern equivalent (financial excuses, busyness, or shifting responsibility entirely to nursing homes) falls under the same condemnation.

 2. Providing Practical Care and Support

Paul is blunt in 1 Timothy 5:8: “But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.” The context (vv. 3-16) specifically addresses caring for widows, including elderly mothers and grandmothers. Children and grandchildren are commanded to “practice piety” by repaying parents with material support.

This includes:

- **Financial provision** when needed—housing, medical bills, daily needs.

- **Physical care**—helping with mobility, medical appointments, household tasks.

- **Emotional and spiritual support**—regular visits, phone calls, prayer together, reading Scripture.

While professional care facilities may sometimes be necessary due to severe health issues, Scripture places primary responsibility on family, not institutions or the state. Multigenerational households, common in biblical times (e.g., Ruth and Naomi, Joseph bringing Jacob to Egypt), remain a godly ideal when feasible.

 3. Listening to and Learning from Their Wisdom

Proverbs repeatedly urges heeding parental instruction: “Hear, my son, your father’s instruction, and forsake not your mother’s teaching” (Proverbs 1:8). Even in old age, parents often possess hard-earned wisdom. Dismissing them because of slowness or repetition is sinful pride.

We honor them by patiently listening, seeking their counsel on family matters, and preserving their stories for future generations. This counters the cultural lie that the elderly are obsolete.

4. Exercising Patience and Kindness Amid Challenges

Aging often brings physical decline, memory loss, or personality changes. These trials test our love. Yet Scripture calls us to “bear one another’s burdens” (Galatians 6:2) and to show “honor to whom honor is due” (Romans 13:7) without qualification.

Consider Jesus’ care for His mother even from the cross: “Woman, behold your son… Behold your mother” (John 19:26-27). In His agony, He ensured Mary’s care. If the sinless Son of God prioritized this, how much more must we?

Impatience, harsh words, or resentment grieve the Holy Spirit. Instead, we are to speak with gentleness (Proverbs 15:1), forgive repeatedly (Colossians 3:13), and remember that we too will one day be old—if the Lord tarries.

5. The Promised Blessing and Eternal Perspective

God attaches a promise to this commandment: long life and blessing. Families that honor aging parents often experience deeper unity, stronger faith passed down, and divine favor.

More importantly, our treatment of parents reflects our fear of God. How we care for those who once cared for us reveals the authenticity of our faith. One day we will stand before Christ, who will evaluate our deeds (2 Corinthians 5:10). Neglect here carries eternal weight.

Practical Steps for Today

1. Pray daily for grace, patience, and wisdom in relating to your parents.

2. Assess their needs honestly—financial, medical, emotional—and make concrete plans to meet them.

3. Involve your spouse and children in honoring grandparents; model multigenerational faithfulness.

4. If distance separates you, use technology for regular contact and arrange visits.

5. Seek counsel from your pastor or elders if challenges seem overwhelming—never isolate yourself.

6. Prepare your own heart: live now in a way that teaches your children how to treat you later.

Dear reader, culture will pressure you to outsource this duty. Resist. Stand firmly on Scripture. The God who commands honor is the same God who gives strength to obey. As we care for aging parents with sacrificial love, we display the gospel—Christ who honored His Father perfectly and bore our burdens on the cross.

May the Lord grant us grace to honor our fathers and mothers until He calls us home.

DMMC 

12-22-25