07/01/2011 - Take care of the elderly and the youth

• 
• 
• 
• 

“Do not rebuke an older man, but exhort him as a father, younger men as brothers” (I Timothy 5:1)

The youth – even the Christian youth – tend to relate to others rather harshly and impatiently. They aren’t mature enough to realize that we learn a lot with time but one of the lessons they tend to skip is to respect their neighbor. I don’t mean to say that we should allow people to behave the way they feel like, but since we’re told that the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God (James 1:20), we must be patient with everybody, especially the elderly. Life has taught them many things; some of them are right, others are wrong and they tend to stick to the ones they think are right. With wisdom we’ll eventually manage to open their eyes.

On the other hand, many elderly people are no longer able to understand certain matters. Life’s been too hard for some and that causes them to lose all hope. Because they know death is drawing near they close themselves up and think all suffering will be gone with it.  Paul, the wise evangelist, tells us not to rebuke them harshly. Tenderness of words is one of the most efficient means to bring someone to his senses.

We should address them respectfully as if they were our parents instead of reprimanding them. I learned early in life that even law-breakers deserve respect because they’re like us except for the fact that the enemy has been using them in criminality. Nobody resists a polite treatment, a smile or a demonstration of love. Humans melt before those who treat them with a sincere heart, with all politeness and consideration.

We have to understand that we’re in a spiritual war to save the lost from condemnation. Our weapons will work better if used with kindness. Jesus is our Example. All those who were taken to Him were treated in a different manner than that of the Pharisees. Wasn’t it the case of that woman who was caught in adultery? Instead of doing to her what the devil wanted Him to do, Jesus said He would not condemn her and told her to go and sin no more (John 8:1-11).

Likewise, young people must be treated as brethren. When someone sees his brother in error, not only does he exhort and reprimand him but he also advises him to shun any sinful practice. Sometimes it’s necessary to be firm and speak harshly to them. Now, what’s the point of being too hard on them? Who has never been tempted or has never gone through experiences which would tarnish their lives forever if their transgressions had been made public? So, sin must be avoided at all costs.

The right thing to do is to go up to those who committed a transgression and encourage them to make amends by using the wisdom the Lord endows us with. Do whatever you can to take the lost out of their sinful lives!

In Christ, with love,

R. R. Soares