Chapter 29—The Care of the Aged
Respectfully and Tenderly Cared For—The matter of caring for
our aged brethren and sisters who have no homes is constantly being
urged. What can be done for them? The light which the Lord has given
me has been repeated: It is not best to establish institutions for the care
of the aged, that they may be in a company together. Nor should they
be sent away from home to receive care. Let the members of every
family minister to their own relatives. When this is not possible the
work belongs to the church, and it should be accepted both as a duty
and as a privilege. All who have Christ’s spirit will regard the feeble
and aged with special respect and tenderness.—
Testimonies for the
Church 6:272
.
To Remain Among Friends and Relatives—The aged also need
the helpful influences of the family. In the home of brethren and sisters
in Christ can most nearly be made up to them the loss of their own
home. If encouraged to share in the interests and occupations of the
household, it will help them to feel that their usefulness is not at an
end. Make them feel that their help is valued, that there is something
yet for them to do in ministering to others, and it will cheer their hearts
and give interest to their lives.
So far as possible let those whose whitening heads and failing steps
show that they are drawing near to the grave remain among friends
and familiar associations. Let them worship among those whom they
have known and loved. Let them be cared for by loving and tender
hands....
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The presence in our homes of one of these helpless ones is a pre-
cious opportunity to cooperate with Christ in His ministry of mercy
and to develop traits of character like His. There is a blessing in the
association of the old and the young. The young may bring sunshine
into the hearts and lives of the aged. Those whose hold on life is weak-
ening need the benefit of contact with the hopefulness and buoyancy
of youth. And the young may be helped by the wisdom and experi-
ence of the old. Above all, they need to learn the lesson of unselfish
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