Is it a grown child’s social responsibility to care for his or her parents?

on Jul 10, 2026

Daughter taking care of elderly father. Dreamstime/TCA

From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham

Q: Is it a grown child’s social responsibility to care for his or her parents? – C.P.

A: The Bible says much about our responsibility toward our parents. One of the Ten Commandments declares, “Honor your father and your mother” (Exodus 20:12, NKJV).

This is more than a humanitarian issue; it points to a spiritual issue. When we are selfish and treat others selfishly, it indicates that we have not allowed God’s love to touch us and control us. When we have no regard for our parents, it is a sign that we also have no regard for God, our Heavenly Father.

“Birthdays are good for you,” someone said. “Statistics show that the people who have the most live the longest.” A reply came, “Looking 50 is great – if you are 60!” It is all perspective. Children look at their 30-year-old parents as old, their grandparents as ancient. Grandparents look at their children and grandchildren as forever young. Yet children are always pushing their young age up as fast as they can. Ask a child how old he or she is. The answer will always end with “and a half.” Couples are anxious to marry their children off so they can become grandparents. When they get to the grandparent stage, they begin complaining about being too old. We shouldn’t wish life away.

Our society is made up of obsessive contradictions. The days when the aged were admired, looked up to, and respected are gone. And parents and grandparents often wish their children should listen to them more than they do. It may shock some parents to learn that we don’t own our children. God has given them to us in trust.

Parents need much wisdom in relating to their grown children – and much prayer. Children, likewise, have much to learn about relating to their parents.

========

(This column is based on the words and writings of the late Rev. Billy Graham.)