HUMAN RELATIONSHIPS

Lesson Thirteen

ADULTS (1):

RESPECT OLDER ONES

Burden to Impart:

In God's arrangement we are related to and need people of all ages. Happiness and health depend upon a proper relationship with those around us, especially those who are older than we. They love, care for, provide for, and protect us. We should have an attitude of appreciation and respect for them, desiring to receive their help.

Memory Verse: "Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders" (1 Peter 5:5a).

Facts to Teach:

  1. In order to grow up in a happy and healthy way we must recognize God's order and arrangement around us. Those who recognize their place in God's arrangement and behave accordingly will not only have less problems and difficulties, they will become the most proper, touchable, trainable, and useful people in the Lord's hands.
  2. In God's arrangement there are different ages in our families, in the church, and in human society. If everyone were the same age how would life be? We should appreciate God's arrangement for us.
  3. God has provided many adults and older people in our families: brothers, sisters, uncles, aunts, grandparents, etc.
  4. Older ones provide for the physical needs of the younger ones. They have taken the responsibility to work in order to provide for others' food, clothing, toys, house, etc. so that the younger ones can grow up happily. This is not a small responsibility.
  5. Older ones provide love and care for younger ones. They worry about them and are concerned for their welfare. They encourage them when they are down and guide them when they are confused.
  6. Older ones provide protection for the younger ones. They have already passed through many dangers in their lives and can recognize a potential danger before it befalls us.
  7. We usually take older people for granted and do not appreciate them for what they are and have to provide for us. Children should have respect toward all adults and want to receive their help.
  8. It would be good for the children to make a list of all the persons around them who are older or adults, and try to write down how they are benefited by them, or could be if they were willing to be.