Robin Schiltz, C.D.S.The role of caregiver is often thankless and usually undervalued. Caregivers are the unsung heroes of our society, who often put their own needs last in order to care for family members and others.
As a family caregiver for both of my elderly parents in their final years, I know that we sometimes need encouragement and strength to handle necessary tasks and duties, especially during difficult times.
So, I’ve put together this list of Bible verses specifically for caregivers!
The bible has a lot to say about caregiving and how important it is. I hope that these scriptures will encourage you and give you the strength you need as you continue in your important role.
What The Bible Says About Caring For The Elderly
There are a few scriptures in the Bible that discuss caring for the elderly.
These verses remind us that we should never forget our responsibility to look after the older adults in our lives and in our communities.
We should always treat them with respect and honor.
- Proverbs 23:22 says “Do not despise your mother when she is old.” This is a reminder for adult children to honor their elders, even when they are no longer able to take care of themselves.
- In Psalms 71:18, it says “Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, O God.” This is a reminder that even when we are in our old age and are feeble and bent and have gray hair, we are never too old for God’s love and care.
- 1 Timothy 5:8 tells us that, “If anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for his immediate family, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.” This verse reminds us that it is our responsibility to care for our elderly relatives, especially if they are not able to take care of themselves.
- Ephesians 06:03 NIV says “Honor your father and mother”—which is the first commandment with a promise—”so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.” This is one of the most well-known Bible verses, and for good reason! It’s found in both the Old and New Testaments, and it’s a clear directive from God about how we are to treat our elders. Caregivers often go above and beyond to care for their elderly loved ones, and this verse is a reminder that we are called to do so.
- “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” -Ephesians 04:32 ESV. This is another verse that is a great reminder for caregivers that we are called to be kind and forgiving to those we care for. Sometimes being a primary caregiver for an elderly loved one can be difficult, and this verse reminds us that we need to show them the same grace and unfailing love that God has shown us.
- “The LORD is my Shepherd, I lack nothing.” -Psalm 23:01 NIV. This well-known Psalm is a beautiful reminder of God’s care for us. As caregivers, we can often feel like we are lacking in time or energy to carry out our caregiving duties, but this verse reminds us that God is always with us and will provide for us.
- “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” -I Peter 05:07 NIV. This verse is a great reminder for caregivers to give their worries and concerns to God. We can often feel overwhelmed by the responsibility of caring for someone, but this verse reminds us that we can trust our Lord God with our cares.
- “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” -Galatians 06:02 ESV. This verse is a great reminder for caregivers to support one another. Caring for an elderly parent or sick relative can be a daunting task, but this verse reminds us that we are not alone in our journey. We can rely on the support of our friends and family to help us through difficult times.
- “And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” -Galatians 06:09 ESV. This verse is a great reminder for caregivers to persevere. Caring for someone can be a long and difficult road full of thankless day to day tasks, but this verse reminds us that it is worth it. We will see the fruit of our labor if we do not give up.
- “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength . They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” -Isaiah 40:31 NIV. This verse is a great reminder for caregivers to find hope in the Lord. When we are feeling weak, He is our strength. He will help us through difficult times and give us the strength we need to persevere.
- “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” -Peter 05:07 NIV. This verse is a great reminder for caregivers to cast their burdens on the Lord. He cares for us and wants to help us carry our burdens. We can trust Him to help us through our difficulties.
- “He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.” -Isaiah 40:29 NIV. This verse is a great reminder for caregivers that the Lord will give us strength when we are weary. He will help us to be strong even when we feel weak. We can trust Him to help us through our challenges.
- “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” -Deuteronomy 31:06 NIV. This verse is a great reminder for caregivers to be brave and to give their troubles to the Lord so they can lean on Him for strength.
Is There A Prayer For Caregivers?
Yes, there is! There are many prayers for caregivers that can be found online and in in the Holy Bible.
Here is one example:
Lord, help me see Your presence in the midst of daily struggles. Replace my weary moments with Your infinite strength. Embrace me with Your loving arms when I feel isolated and alone. Reassure me with Your perfect peace when I am overwhelmed and anxious. Lead me towards compassion and love amidst moments of frustration and sadness. Today and every day Guide me to the simple gestures I can do to ease another’s suffering. Remind me in moments of weakness that with Your help I have everything I need to carry on.
Guideposts.org
List Of Bible Verses For Caregivers
The Bible is full of verses and scripture references that can help encourage and caregivers and provide comfort and strength when facing a difficult caregiving situation. Here are just a few examples:
“And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.” – Corinthians 13:13
“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
“Bear one anothers burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” – Galatians 6:2
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” – John 13:34-35 NIV
“Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.” – 1 John 4:8 NIV
“No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.” – 1 John 4:12
“And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.” – Corinthians 13:13
“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” – 1 Peter 5:7
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:6-7
“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” – Romans 8:38-39
“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers,they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.” – Isaiah 43:16
“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.” – Psalms 23:1-3
“He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” – Isaiah 40:29-31
“I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” – Philippians 13:13
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” – Deuteronomy 31:16
“And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” – Corinthians 15:58
“Give your burdens to the Lord, and he will take care of you. He will not permit the godly to slip and fall.” – Psalm 55:22
“Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.” – Psalm 56:12
“The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” – Deuteronomy 16:29
“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” – Isaiah 40:31
“I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” – Philippians 13:13
“He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.” – Isaiah 40:29
“Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.” – Isaiah 46:15
“The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.” – Psalm 23:13
“My God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 13:20
“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” – Peter 54:22
“The Lord is my light and my salvation– whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life– of whom shall I be afraid?” – Psalm 141:13
“Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord.” – Psalm 31:25
“I can do everything through him who gives me strength.” – Philippians 13:13
“He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.” – Isaiah 53:14
“Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” – Psalm 13:23
“The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.” – Psalm 18:33
“The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him,. – Nahum 13:19
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.”- Proverbs 12:15
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”- Deuteronomy 31:14
“I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” – Philippians 12:13
“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” – Peter 24:15
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” – Romans 14:28
“He will not let your foot slip- he who watches over you will not slumber.” – Psalm 111:12
“The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” – Deuteronomy 31:15
Read inspirational quotes for caregivers of elderly parents.
Books With Prayers For Caregivers
These books contain prayers for caregivers and may be helpful if you are struggling or just need to find some calm and peace:
The author says, “Each heartfelt prayer and devotion is intended to help you navigate the complex set of emotions that come with caregiving.”
The book’s description says, “Through brief Gospel-focused readings and Scripture verses, Blessings & Prayers for Caregivers offers refreshment and renewal for the exhausted caregiver.
This prayer journal contains a daily inspirational prayer and a scriptural verse, along with space for gratitude notes or recording your thoughts. It also has floral drawings that you can color for stress relief and to relax.
This book of prayers is written specifically for those individuals who find themselves caring for a loved one suffering from dementia.
Based on the author’s own experiences of caregiving for her elderly parents, “Abundant Strength: A Caregiver’s Prayers is a collection of poetry for sons and daughters who must care for their elderly parents.”
One reviewer noted that the author, “tackles the tough times we face as caregivers with words gracefully woven into prayers. This book is helping me deal with love and loss.“
Conclusion
When caregivers are feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or stressed, activities such as journaling can help, but reading the word of God in these bible verses can provide peace of mind and reassurance.
It is through God’s strength that we are able to care for others, and He will never forsake us.
Whether in your darkest hour or your finest hour, remember that you are not alone. Through God’s presence by your side, you can overcome anything.
Though we are mere mortals, with God nothing is impossible.
Good luck and may God bless you in your caregiving journey! Thank you for all that you do to support and love others – you are truly doing God’s work and following one of the most noble callings.
