While scrolling on social media in the fall of 2020, I saw a picture of an elderly woman holding up an interesting sign.

On the sign, she expressed her desire to receive letters from strangers. She was a nursing home resident suffering the gnawing pain of loneliness. As a result of the pandemic, many assisted living facilities went on lockdown, which caused many residents to live in isolation, without visits from loved ones.

Too many elderly people are living with broken hearts because society largely overlooks, dismisses, and undermines them.

But Scripture tells us that aging should be honored. As an African proverb put it, “a youth that does not cultivate friendship with the elderly is like a tree without roots.”

Seeking relationships with those who are aging helps us to cultivate a heart of compassion.

Since many elderly people feel isolated, facilities welcome letters, notes, and cards of encouragement. This is an opportunity to show compassion and respect for those who have come before us.

As believers, we are ambassadors for Christ. We represent Christ in our actions to others, especially to senior citizens. Leviticus 19:32 encourages us to honor and respect the elders in our life. By doing so, we convey our reverence for God and love for others.