Ageism refers to prejudice or discrimination against individuals or groups based on their age. This can include stereotypes, assumptions, and attitudes that lead to the marginalization or exclusion of older or younger people. The Bible does not explicitly use the term “ageism,” but it does contain principles and examples that are relevant to how we think about and treat people of different ages.
Old Age is a Blessing from God
The Bible presents old age as a blessing from God, not something to be despised. In the Old Testament, advanced age was seen as a reward for righteousness and obedience to God’s laws. “Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is gained by living a righteous life” (Proverbs 16:31). Growing old was considered a desirable goal, a sign of God’s favor. “With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation,” says Psalm 91:16. Older people were to be respected for their wisdom and experience. “Stand up in the presence of the aged, show respect for the elderly and revere your God. I am the Lord” (Leviticus 19:32). The commandment to honor one’s father and mother (Exodus 20:12) applied not just to young children but to adults honoring their elderly parents.
In the New Testament, older men and women are presented as models of faith and spiritual maturity. Paul instructs Titus to encourage older men to be “temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled, and sound in faith, in love and in endurance” (Titus 2:2). They should be looked up to as godly examples for younger believers to emulate. Their spiritual wisdom is a treasured resource in the church. Far from being irrelevant, their prayers and testimony play a vital role in the Christian community.
Value and Include Both Old and Young
The Bible emphasizes that both younger and older people have important contributions to make in the family of God. Younger believers are encouraged to learn from those who are older. “Is not wisdom found among the aged? Does not long life bring understanding?” (Job 12:12). Timothy, a young pastor, is exhorted: “Do not rebuke an older man harshly, but exhort him as if he were your father” (1 Timothy 5:1). There is a place for both the vigor of youth and the experience of age.
At the same time, Scripture makes clear that older people still have purpose. “Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, my God, till I declare your power to the next generation, your mighty acts to all who are to come” (Psalm 71:18). Older believers play a key role in teaching spiritual truths to the next generation. Paul instructs older women to “train the younger women” through mentoring relationships (Titus 2:4-5). Their spiritual maturity equips them for discipleship.
Avoid Favoritism Toward the Young or Old
Scripture condemns partiality or favoritism based on outward appearance rather than character. James warns believers not to show favoritism to the rich or influential in the assembly (James 2:1-9). This principle would also apply to age. Complaining about “these kids today” or indulging in “okay boomer” dismissiveness has no place in the church. While we may tend toward preferences, the Bible calls us to an equal concern and care for both younger and older people, made in God’s image.
Cultivate Intergenerational Relationships
One way the Bible guards against ageism is by emphasizing intergenerational relationships and connections within the faith community. You see this in the strong biblical emphasis on family across generations. Older generations are charged with the vital task of passing on spiritual truth to their children and grandchildren (Deuteronomy 6:4-9). Timothy’s sincere faith dwelled first in his grandmother Lois and mother Eunice before him (2 Timothy 1:5).
We also see interactions between the young and old modeled in Scripture. Naomi mentored her Moabite daughter-in-law Ruth in the faith of Israel (Ruth 1-4). The youthful Mary, mother of Jesus, magnified God in her song while Elizabeth, her older relative, affirmed Mary’s blessed role (Luke 1:39-56). Cross-generational bonds prevent prejudice and create empathy between age groups.
Value All Human Life as Precious
A major barrier to ageism is recognizing that all human life has inherent dignity and worth because we bear God’s image. The value of life is not dependent on age, appearance, ability, or achievement. From the unborn to the terminally ill, the Bible upholds the sanctity of each individual. As Christians, we affirm that “there is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:28). This oneness transcends any worldly categories of identity.
Practically, this means speaking up for and serving the vulnerable on both ends of the age spectrum, from the unborn to the elderly. We are called to defend the oppressed (Psalm 82:3-4) regardless of age. Applying biblical principles leads us to protect all neighbors made in God’s image.
Avoid Negative Age-Based Stereotypes
The Bible cautions against stereotyping groups or individuals based on human standards. 1 Samuel 16:7 says “Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” We often make assumptions based on outward factors like age or appearance that can lead to prejudice. But God calls us to assess each person by the condition of their heart and character, not superficial traits.
Broad brushing older adults as irrelevant, resistant to change, technologically incompetent and so on would be as biblically unjustified as dismissing all young people as naive, self-centered, undisciplined, etc. We should avoid negative stereotypes and respect each individual as an image-bearer of God.
Age Does Not Determine a Person’s Value
From a biblical perspective, human worth and dignity are intrinsic rather than earned. Our value comes from being made in God’s image (Genesis 1:27), not from our age or stage of life. Your value as a person is the same at 4 months old, 14 years old, and 94 years old. It does not increase or diminish over time.
Therefore, we should treat people of all ages with honor, respect, and compassion. Jesus exemplified this during His earthly ministry. He did not rank people by their age or background. He blessed the children brought to Him (Mark 10:13-16) yet also ministered to the elderly, healing Peter’s mother-in-law of her fever (Mark 1:29-31). His love encompassed every age. As His followers, we are called to reflect His heart toward all.
Do Not Reject Wisdom Because of Age
In our youth-obsessed culture, there can be a temptation to automatically reject anything associated with “old ways.” But Scripture cautions against dismissing wisdom simply because it comes from an older source. Job 12:12 asks rhetorically, “Wisdom is with the aged, and understanding in length of days.” Similarly, Proverbs 16:31 states that “A gray head is a crown of glory.” Advanced age often brings greater life experience, providing a valuable perspective we should not belittle or ignore.
Of course, truth must be grounded in Scripture, not tradition for its own sake. But we should beware of rejecting wisdom from older believers or sources simply due to old age itself. Paul wrote to Timothy, “Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity” (1 Timothy 4:12). The emphasis is on truth and godly character, which can abound in old and young.
Appreciate the Gifts and Abilities of Both Young and Old
As the body of Christ, the church is designed to function through the diverse giftings and contributions of believers from every demographic. Romans 12:4-8 and 1 Corinthians 12:12-31 describe many spiritual gifts distributed across the varied members of the church. Our gifts and abilities are given by God’s sovereign choice, not limited by human factors like age or background.
We must avoid pigeonholing people’s capacities based on age-based prejudice. Younger people still have much to contribute through their energy, idealism, creativity and skills. At the same time, older believers can bring years of experience, spiritual depth, practical wisdom, and mentoring capabilities. We impoverish our communities when we fail to welcome and utilize the gifts of any age group.
Care for the Vulnerable Among Both the Young and Old
Throughout Scripture, God calls His people to defend and provide for vulnerable groups—orphans, widows, sojourners and the poor. In the same way, we have a responsibility to care for and protect vulnerable demographics today who are at heightened risk of marginalization. Among these groups, Scripture would include the unborn, children, and the elderly.
Practically, we are called to advocate for groups who cannot speak for themselves, such as the unborn. We must also meet tangible needs of elderly individuals facing isolation and loneliness or lacking adequate care, respecting each one as someone made in God’s image.
Cultivate Patience and Understanding Between Generations
Given different life experiences and perspectives, tensions can easily arise between generations over opinions, preferences, and approaches to life. Scripture encourages patience, empathy and compassion between age groups within the church.
1 Peter 5:5 instructs younger men to clothe themselves in humility toward those who are older. It also warns the older generation not to treat younger people harshly. We are called to gentle instruction (2 Timothy 2:24-25) and listening to others’ concerns (James 1:19) across the generations.
Walking in love and humility helps us understand times and cultures may change, but people still desire the same care and respect regardless of age. We can learn much from those in other seasons of life than our own.
Conclusion
The Bible upholds the dignity and value of all human life, from the unborn to the elderly. Each person bears God’s image and a purpose in His kingdom. While not providing exhaustive teaching on modern generational issues, Scripture promotes respect and care for both young and old. When we embrace the biblical principles of honoring each life, cultivating cross-generational connections, and utilizing diverse gifts across ages, we reflect God’s heart and see His kingdom thrive.
