Billy Graham: Why God Commands Christians Not to Abandon the Helpless
It's important for people to help support the elderly and the helpless, said evangelist the Rev. Billy Graham.
In an advice column published Friday, Rev. Graham was asked by a person who works at a nursing home why people tend to not visit their elders.
"I've worked in a nursing home for almost 20 years, and the hardest part of my job is watching people dump their relatives here and then never come back to visit them. Why are people so insensitive? Even if someone has dementia they still deserve our love, don't they?" inquired the person.
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Graham responded that there have been times when he has visited a nursing home and was the lone visitor for one of the patients.
"… we wouldn't want to be abandoned or forgotten by those we once loved and cared for, would we?" Graham asked.
"Even if we didn't remember their visit later, it still could be the high point of our day. Jesus' Words apply as much to this situation as to any other: 'So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you,' (Matthew 7:12)."
Graham went on to stress in his response to the question that "God has not abandoned them, and neither should we."
"In fact, the Bible says He has a special concern for those who can't take care of themselves — the very young, the old, the poor, the disabled," continued Graham.
"You may not be able to do much about the thoughtlessness of others (except to pray for them). But ask God to help you make up for their failure by your kindness and encouragement to those you help each day for Christ's sake."
Graham's column was published around the time his son, Franklin Graham, provided an update on the 97-year-old's health.
The head of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, Franklin posted an update last week about his father's condition.
In his update, Franklin noted that his father's hearing and sight were poor and that he needed to use a wheelchair to get around.
"One of the things he enjoys is sitting on the front porch and looking out over the mountains on days when the weather is good and he feels up to it. He watches news with the help of a large-screen TV," reported Franklin.
"His ministry now is praying, and he looks forward to reports of what God is doing around the world. He always responds by saying 'Praise the Lord' as he points upward."
