The Elect Saints Role during Tribulation

The Value of Generational Interactions

Prelude: Warning Love for Others Needed!
Warning this article may affect your finances. if you are bothered by it; then exit out of this subject and leave it alone! Click to Return to Archives or Choose Arrow Back

Prelude: Warning Love for Others Needed!

Warning this article may affect your finances. if you are bothered by it; then exit out of this subject and leave it alone!

Click to Return to Archives or Choose Arrow Back

The Value of Generational Interactions
God commands us to care for our elders, parents, grandparents, widowed, and disabled. We need to have compassion for other seniors and toddlers too. God also tells us to leave our parental home as young people and marry and have our own abode to raise children. Matthew 19:5, "And said {Jesus}, 'For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined to his wife; and the two shall become one flesh'?" That does not mean you never visit, help or see your parents and other family members. Both husband and wife have parents, and siblings usually. However, you must not allow those people or even friends to interfere by being intrusive and controlling in your marriage relationship and child raising. We have to remember that we are to always put God and His laws above anyone, husband, wife, parents, children, career and occupations, friends, and above our own selfish pursuits and goals. Matthew 6:33, "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you." In Exodus 20:1-17 God spoke the Ten Commandments and then wrote them on tablets of stone with the "finger of God." Jesus said in Matthew 19:17, "…If you want to enter life, keep the commandments." We are to obey God always above any man or government of men. Acts 5:29, "But Peter and the other apostles replied, 'We are obligated to obey God rather than men.' " As parents age and struggle with their health, they are often isolated due to adult children who are remote and live far away, or are too busy with their careers, family, personal lives, and egocentric pursuits and goals. God tells us, if we are true believers, that we must care for our elderly and aged family members. This includes even those of our family who are disabled with pain and health issues. Elder care might mean moving to help parents, thus living nearby, or even moving into their home, or moving them into your home. In this day and age, tiny houses are a way to provide a dwelling option. Putting parents into nursing homes is something many do; however that is not biblical, nor okay as the government and others will rob you of your inheritance, taking everything. Often the elderly do not get the care, in a "rest home" that their children think they are getting. In home care, as long as it is possible, is better, especially with family helping. If siblings can help, they need to all pitch in to care for their parents, financially, physically, as well as emotionally and mentally. Leviticus 19:32, "You are to rise in the presence of the elderly, honor the aged, and fear your God. I am the LORD." Proverbs 23:22, "Listen to your father who gave you life, and do not despise your mother when she is old." Exodus 21:15, "Whoever strikes his father or his mother shall be put to death." Such death penalty is in God's hands and it is not our prerogative to murder the doer of wrong! Proverbs 21:13, "Whoever closes his ear to the cry of the poor, will himself call out and not be answered."

The Value of Generational Interactions

God commands us to care for our elders, parents, grandparents, widowed, and disabled. We need to have compassion for other seniors and toddlers too. God also tells us to leave our parental home as young people and marry and have our own abode to raise children. Matthew 19:5, "And said {Jesus}, 'For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined to his wife; and the two shall become one flesh'?" That does not mean you never visit, help or see your parents and other family members. Both husband and wife have parents, and siblings usually. However, you must not allow those people or even friends to interfere by being intrusive and controlling in your marriage relationship and child raising.

We have to remember that we are to always put God and His laws above anyone, husband, wife, parents, children, career and occupations, friends, and above our own selfish pursuits and goals. Matthew 6:33, "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you." In Exodus 20:1-17 God spoke the Ten Commandments and then wrote them on tablets of stone with the "finger of God." Jesus said in Matthew 19:17, "…If you want to enter life, keep the commandments." We are to obey God always above any man or government of men. Acts 5:29, "But Peter and the other apostles replied, 'We are obligated to obey God rather than men.' "

As parents age and struggle with their health, they are often isolated due to adult children who are remote and live far away, or are too busy with their careers, family, personal lives, and egocentric pursuits and goals. God tells us, if we are true believers, that we must care for our elderly and aged family members. This includes even those of our family who are disabled with pain and health issues. Elder care might mean moving to help parents, thus living nearby, or even moving into their home, or moving them into your home. In this day and age, tiny houses are a way to provide a dwelling option.

Putting parents into nursing homes is something many do; however that is not biblical, nor okay as the government and others will rob you of your inheritance, taking everything. Often the elderly do not get the care, in a "rest home" that their children think they are getting. In home care, as long as it is possible, is better, especially with family helping. If siblings can help, they need to all pitch in to care for their parents, financially, physically, as well as emotionally and mentally. Leviticus 19:32, "You are to rise in the presence of the elderly, honor the aged, and fear your God. I am the LORD." Proverbs 23:22, "Listen to your father who gave you life, and do not despise your mother when she is old." Exodus 21:15, "Whoever strikes his father or his mother shall be put to death." Such death penalty is in God's hands and it is not our prerogative to murder the doer of wrong! Proverbs 21:13, "Whoever closes his ear to the cry of the poor, will himself call out and not be answered."

Some Church Directives for Widows
Holy Scripture contains certain church directives for widows who are church members in: 1 Timothy 5:3-10, "Take care of any widow who is really in need. 4 But if a widow has children or grandchildren, they should learn to serve God by taking care of her, as she once took care of them. This is what God wants them to do. 5 A widow who is really in need is one who doesn't have any relatives. She has faith in God, and she keeps praying to Him night and day, asking for His help. 6 A widow who thinks only about having a good time is already dead, even though she is still alive. 7 Tell all of this to everyone, so they will do the right thing. 8 People who don't take care of their relatives, and especially their own families, have given up their faith. They are worse than someone who doesn't have faith in the Lord. 9 For a widow to be put on the list of widows, she must be at least sixty years old, and she must have been faithful in marriage. 10 She must also be well-known for doing all sorts of good things, such as raising children, giving food to strangers, welcoming God's people into her home, helping people in need, and always making herself useful. Church directives for widows continue in: 1 Timothy 5:11-15, "Don't put young widows on the list. They may later have a strong desire to get married. Then they will turn away from Christ 12 and become guilty of breaking their promise to Him. 13 Besides, they will become lazy and get into the habit of going from house to house. Next, they will start gossiping and become busybodies, talking about things that are none of their business. 14 I would prefer that young widows get married, have children, and look after their families. Then the enemy won't have any reason to say insulting things about us. 15 Look what's already happened to some of the young widows! They have turned away to follow Satan. 16 If a woman who is a follower has any widows in her family, she should help them. This will keep the church from having that burden, and then the church can help widows who are really in need." James 1:27,"Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world."

Some Church Directives for Widows

Holy Scripture contains certain church directives for widows who are church members in: 1 Timothy 5:3-10, "Take care of any widow who is really in need. 4 But if a widow has children or grandchildren, they should learn to serve God by taking care of her, as she once took care of them. This is what God wants them to do. 5 A widow who is really in need is one who doesn't have any relatives. She has faith in God, and she keeps praying to Him night and day, asking for His help. 6 A widow who thinks only about having a good time is already dead, even though she is still alive. 7 Tell all of this to everyone, so they will do the right thing. 8 People who don't take care of their relatives, and especially their own families, have given up their faith. They are worse than someone who doesn't have faith in the Lord. 9 For a widow to be put on the list of widows, she must be at least sixty years old, and she must have been faithful in marriage. 10 She must also be well-known for doing all sorts of good things, such as raising children, giving food to strangers, welcoming God's people into her home, helping people in need, and always making herself useful.

Church directives for widows continue in: 1 Timothy 5:11-15, "Don't put young widows on the list. They may later have a strong desire to get married. Then they will turn away from Christ 12 and become guilty of breaking their promise to Him. 13 Besides, they will become lazy and get into the habit of going from house to house. Next, they will start gossiping and become busybodies, talking about things that are none of their business. 14 I would prefer that young widows get married, have children, and look after their families. Then the enemy won't have any reason to say insulting things about us. 15 Look what's already happened to some of the young widows! They have turned away to follow Satan. 16 If a woman who is a follower has any widows in her family, she should help them. This will keep the church from having that burden, and then the church can help widows who are really in need." James 1:27,"Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world."

Grandparents & Parents Need To Be Happy
Many parents and grandparents fear being left alone and often are lonely. They try to not be a bother, but it does not lessen their loneliness, fear, or anxiety. Most grandparents do not want to leave the home they are comfortable and familiar with. However, some are fine with assisted living in-home-care with strangers, but many others prefer their family around them or close family friends they know well. A caring family is everything to them. They do better and are healthier when they are happier and dwelling in their own abode and terrain. Yes, if able, they need to be encouraged to get out and visit, and do things with people their own age, and enjoy church fellowship and/or social events. Philippians 2:3-4, "Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others." Ephesians 6:2, " 'Honor your father and mother' this is the first commandment with a promise." Here is a scripture to follow: 1 John 4:11, "Beloved, if God so loved us, we also are duty-bound to love one another." One of the things of being a grandparent is the great joy your parents get in interacting with your children, their grandchildren, and even great grandchildren. Children can be taught about their heritage, their family tree, where traditions and values come from, and why. Proverbs 17:6, "Grandchildren are the crown of the aged, and the glory of children is their fathers." To ostracize one set of parents over the other set, is not okay, nor a good to do. Both parental sides have things that will help your family and children know who they are and teach values and the respect of differences as well. Yes, you might have to trade off holidays or feast days, birthdays etc. And or have everyone to an event, dinner, reunion, etc. Being of the same faith helps, because there is less tension and more give and take from both sides of the family. You respectfully might heed advice or disregard advice. 2 Corinthians 6:14, "Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership can righteousness have with wickedness? Or what fellowship does light have with darkness?" You interact and try and blend families, and this is why scripture tells us to not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. When you marry outside your belief, it can cause conflict with you and your spouse, you and their parents, family, and even friends. Many other cultures in our world have generational families with grandparents and even great grandparents residing in the same household or on the same or nearby property. Germany, France, Most Asian Societies, as well as a good many Latinos have generational families. Each generation helps the other and cares for one another, sharing the expenses, and teachings and more. The USA and Canada used to be this way as well. However World Wars I and II, took children off the farms and into the armed forces, cities and factories, thus leaving parents to fend for themselves and be alone. Many youth died and the young recruited population was decimated. Women suddenly wanted and/or needed careers and they not only abandoned parents, but allowed their children to occupy day care and preschool in pursuit of the "almighty dollar." Thus we find someone else taught their children different values and traditions; rather than parents, grandparents, and other family members. However God wants us to help one another and not abandon, nor neglect our families and parents. Galatians 6:2, "Carry one another's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ."

Grandparents & Parents Need To Be Happy

Many parents and grandparents fear being left alone and often are lonely. They try to not be a bother, but it does not lessen their loneliness, fear, or anxiety. Most grandparents do not want to leave the home they are comfortable and familiar with. However, some are fine with assisted living in-home-care with strangers, but many others prefer their family around them or close family friends they know well. A caring family is everything to them. They do better and are healthier when they are happier and dwelling in their own abode and terrain. Yes, if able, they need to be encouraged to get out and visit, and do things with people their own age, and enjoy church fellowship and/or social events. Philippians 2:3-4, "Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others." Ephesians 6:2, " 'Honor your father and mother' this is the first commandment with a promise." Here is a scripture to follow: 1 John 4:11, "Beloved, if God so loved us, we also are duty-bound to love one another."

One of the things of being a grandparent is the great joy your parents get in interacting with your children, their grandchildren, and even great grandchildren. Children can be taught about their heritage, their family tree, where traditions and values come from, and why. Proverbs 17:6, "Grandchildren are the crown of the aged, and the glory of children is their fathers." To ostracize one set of parents over the other set, is not okay, nor a good to do. Both parental sides have things that will help your family and children know who they are and teach values and the respect of differences as well. Yes, you might have to trade off holidays or feast days, birthdays etc. And or have everyone to an event, dinner, reunion, etc. Being of the same faith helps, because there is less tension and more give and take from both sides of the family. You respectfully might heed advice or disregard advice. 2 Corinthians 6:14, "Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership can righteousness have with wickedness? Or what fellowship does light have with darkness?" You interact and try and blend families, and this is why scripture tells us to not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. When you marry outside your belief, it can cause conflict with you and your spouse, you and their parents, family, and even friends.

Many other cultures in our world have generational families with grandparents and even great grandparents residing in the same household or on the same or nearby property. Germany, France, Most Asian Societies, as well as a good many Latinos have generational families. Each generation helps the other and cares for one another, sharing the expenses, and teachings and more. The USA and Canada used to be this way as well. However World Wars I and II, took children off the farms and into the armed forces, cities and factories, thus leaving parents to fend for themselves and be alone. Many youth died and the young recruited population was decimated. Women suddenly wanted and/or needed careers and they not only abandoned parents, but allowed their children to occupy day care and preschool in pursuit of the "almighty dollar." Thus we find someone else taught their children different values and traditions; rather than parents, grandparents, and other family members. However God wants us to help one another and not abandon, nor neglect our families and parents. Galatians 6:2, "Carry one another's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ."

Prosper And Be Happy
If you want to prosper and lived a blessed life, then you must obey the commandment in Deuteronomy 5:16, "Honor your father and your mother, as the LORD your God has commanded you, so that your days may be long and that it may go well with you in the land that the LORD your God is giving you." Avoid receiving curses and troubles for disobedience: Deuteronomy 27:16, " 'Cursed be anyone who dishonors his father or his mother.' …" Proverbs 30:17, "As for the eye that mocks a father and scorns obedience to a mother, may the ravens of the valley pluck it out and young vultures devour it." There is a godly penalty for following the ungodly traditions of our present errant society: Mark 7:6-10, "Jesus answered them, Isaiah prophesied correctly about you hypocrites, as it is written: 'These people honor Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me. 7 They worship Me in vain; they teach as doctrine the precepts {idol worship} of men.' 8 You have disregarded the commandment of God, to keep the tradition of men. 9 He {Jesus} went on to say, You neatly set aside the command of God to maintain your own tradition. 10 For Moses said, 'Honor your father and your mother' and 'Anyone who curses his father or mother must be put to death.' " God enacts the death penalty, commandment breakers do not attain eternal life! 1 Peter 5:5, "Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for 'God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.' "

Prosper And Be Happy

If you want to prosper and lived a blessed life, then you must obey the commandment in Deuteronomy 5:16, "Honor your father and your mother, as the LORD your God has commanded you, so that your days may be long and that it may go well with you in the land that the LORD your God is giving you." Avoid receiving curses and troubles for disobedience: Deuteronomy 27:16, " 'Cursed be anyone who dishonors his father or his mother.' …" Proverbs 30:17, "As for the eye that mocks a father and scorns obedience to a mother, may the ravens of the valley pluck it out and young vultures devour it."

There is a godly penalty for following the ungodly traditions of our present errant society: Mark 7:6-10, "Jesus answered them, Isaiah prophesied correctly about you hypocrites, as it is written: 'These people honor Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me. 7 They worship Me in vain; they teach as doctrine the precepts {idol worship} of men.' 8 You have disregarded the commandment of God, to keep the tradition of men. 9 He {Jesus} went on to say, You neatly set aside the command of God to maintain your own tradition. 10 For Moses said, 'Honor your father and your mother' and 'Anyone who curses his father or mother must be put to death.' " God enacts the death penalty, commandment breakers do not attain eternal life! 1 Peter 5:5, "Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for 'God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.' "

Summary: Teach the TRUTH!
Old folks, who trust in God, are to be godly examples and teach younger folks how all can please God. Titus 2:2-8, "Older men are to be temperate, dignified, self-controlled, and sound in faith, love, and perseverance. 3 Older women, likewise, are to be reverent in their behavior, not slanderers or addicted to much wine, but teachers of good. 4 In this way they can train the young women to love their husbands and children, 5 to be self-controlled, pure, managers of their households, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, so that the word of God will not be discredited. 6 In the same way, urge the younger men to be self-controlled. 7 In everything, show yourself to be an example by doing good works. In your teaching show integrity, dignity, 8 and wholesome speech that is above reproach, so that anyone who opposes us will be ashamed to have nothing bad to say about us." Psalms 71:17-19, "O God, You have taught me from my youth; and I still proclaim Your wonderful works. 18 But now also when I am old and gray headed, O God, do not forsake me until I have declared Your strength to this generation, and Your power to everyone who is to come. 19 And Your righteousness, O God, is very high, You Who have done great things. O God, who is like You?" Old folks, who trust in God, are like the Apostle Paul: Titus 1:1-3, "Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God's elect and the knowledge of the truth that is according to godliness; 2 In the hope of eternal life, which God Who cannot lie promised before the ages of time, 3 But revealed in its own set time in the proclamation of His Word, with which I {Paul} was entrusted according to the commandment of God our Savior." God expects us to teach the truth: Mark 10:19, "You know the commandments: 'Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not bear false witness, do not cheat others, honor your father and mother.' " Psalms 71:22-24, "I will also praise You with the harp for Your truth, O my God; I will sing praises unto you with the lyre, O Holy One of Israel. 23 My lips shall greatly rejoice when I sing to You, and my life, which You have redeemed. 24 My tongue also shall talk of Your righteousness all the day long, for those who seek my hurt are confounded; they are brought to shame."
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The Value of Generational Interactions "©" December 2024, Ekklesia Church of God - New Covenant Saints Click to Return to Archives or Choose Arrow Back

Summary: Teach the TRUTH!

Old folks, who trust in God, are to be godly examples and teach younger folks how all can please God. Titus 2:2-8, "Older men are to be temperate, dignified, self-controlled, and sound in faith, love, and perseverance. 3 Older women, likewise, are to be reverent in their behavior, not slanderers or addicted to much wine, but teachers of good. 4 In this way they can train the young women to love their husbands and children, 5 to be self-controlled, pure, managers of their households, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, so that the word of God will not be discredited. 6 In the same way, urge the younger men to be self-controlled. 7 In everything, show yourself to be an example by doing good works. In your teaching show integrity, dignity, 8 and wholesome speech that is above reproach, so that anyone who opposes us will be ashamed to have nothing bad to say about us."

Psalms 71:17-19, "O God, You have taught me from my youth; and I still proclaim Your wonderful works. 18 But now also when I am old and gray headed, O God, do not forsake me until I have declared Your strength to this generation, and Your power to everyone who is to come. 19 And Your righteousness, O God, is very high, You Who have done great things. O God, who is like You?"

Old folks, who trust in God, are like the Apostle Paul: Titus 1:1-3, "Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God's elect and the knowledge of the truth that is according to godliness; 2 In the hope of eternal life, which God Who cannot lie promised before the ages of time, 3 But revealed in its own set time in the proclamation of His Word, with which I {Paul} was entrusted according to the commandment of God our Savior." God expects us to teach the truth: Mark 10:19, "You know the commandments: 'Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not bear false witness, do not cheat others, honor your father and mother.' "

Psalms 71:22-24, "I will also praise You with the harp for Your truth, O my God; I will sing praises unto you with the lyre, O Holy One of Israel. 23 My lips shall greatly rejoice when I sing to You, and my life, which You have redeemed. 24 My tongue also shall talk of Your righteousness all the day long, for those who seek my hurt are confounded; they are brought to shame."

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The Value of Generational Interactions

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