What does the Bible teach about who is supposed to care for their sick and elderly parents? (Preferably verses from the New Testament). I would like the Scriptures and an interpretation, please.
Sincerely,
Caregiver
Dear Caregiver,
The most applicable set of verses on the topic of caring for ageing parents are Matt 15:3-6Matt 15:3-6
English: American Standard Version (1901) - ASV
3 And he answered and said unto them, Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God because of your tradition?
4 For God said, Honor thy father and thy mother: and, He that speaketh evil of father or mother, let him die the death.
5 But ye say, whosoever shall say to his father or his mother, That wherewith thou mightest have been profited by me is given [to God];
6 he shall not honor his father. And ye have made void the word of God because of your tradition.
WP-Bible plugin and 1 Tim 5:41 Tim 5:4
English: American Standard Version (1901) - ASV
4 But if any widow hath children or grandchildren, let them learn first to show piety towards their own family, and to requite their parents: for this is acceptable in the sight of God.
WP-Bible plugin. In the book of Matthew, Jesus makes a direct correlation between the command to ‘honor your father and mother’ (Matt 15:4Matt 15:4
English: American Standard Version (1901) - ASV
4 For God said, Honor thy father and thy mother: and, He that speaketh evil of father or mother, let him die the death.
WP-Bible plugin, Eph 6:2Eph 6:2
English: American Standard Version (1901) - ASV
2 Honor thy father and mother ,
WP-Bible plugin) and the act of spending money to care for their needs (Matt 15:5-6Matt 15:5-6
English: American Standard Version (1901) - ASV
5 But ye say, whosoever shall say to his father or his mother, That wherewith thou mightest have been profited by me is given [to God];
6 he shall not honor his father. And ye have made void the word of God because of your tradition.
WP-Bible plugin). Part of honoring your parents (whether it be a joy or a burden) is caring for their physical needs. In 1 Tim 5:41 Tim 5:4
English: American Standard Version (1901) - ASV
4 But if any widow hath children or grandchildren, let them learn first to show piety towards their own family, and to requite their parents: for this is acceptable in the sight of God.
WP-Bible plugin, Paul makes it clear that children should care for their needy parents. In caring for our parents, we show piety and do something that is acceptable in God’s sight.