FAQs in Spiritual Care, How Can We Help Elders Finish Strong?

摘要

I was surprised and saddened when I heard long-term care facility chaplains report that some older persons come to the end of their lives wavering in their faith. Psalm 1:3 tells us the person who delights in God should expect spiritual growth, like a luxuriant tree planted by a stream that bears fruit in season. Psalm 92 records that the righteous will flourish like a palm tree-always green, providing shade and shelter. Verse 14 points out that righteous people will "still bear fruit in old age" and will "stay fresh and green" (NIV). Galatians 5:22 elucidates this fruit as the fruit of the Spirit: love joy, peace, patience, and so on. We conclude that as we grow older, the norm is to keep bearing fruit and stay spiritually fresh. No wilting, shriveling or wavering here! How do we experience continual growth in Christian grace? I asked members of my church how they grow spiritually throughout their lifetime. Of fifty-two people who responded, 92 % checked Bible reading and prayer; 69 % indicated Bible study and 58 % said spiritual songs help them grow.