But the love of the LORD remains forever with those who fear Him. His salvation extends to the children’s children – Psalm 103:17 NLT
The Influence You Have as a Grandparent
One of the most influential people in my life was my grandmother. She was widowed when I was young, so my parents would allow me to spend the night with her frequently to help with her loneliness. We spent hours together playing board games, putting puzzles together, cooking, sewing, vegetable gardening, watching The Lawrence Welk Show, and laughing together. Her laugh was infectious. Those sleepovers and days together helped to form me as a human being. But, most importantly, my grandmother was a faithful follower of Jesus.
My wife loves to play board games and put puzzles together. That was part of our initial attraction. My children grew up watching Lawrence Welk re-runs and developed an appreciation for wholesome entertainment.
My grandmother has been gone for over 20 years now. I still miss her, and I still benefit from all that she taught me. I can mend my clothes, I’m a good cook, and I can grow my own food.
As a grandparent, you have a unique opportunity and responsibility to influence the next generation with the love and wisdom of God.
As a grandparent, you have a unique opportunity and responsibility to influence the next generation with the love and wisdom of God. Your grandchildren will learn from you whether you intend to teach them or not. As a godly grandparent, you can use your influence to help your grandchildren grow in their faith and become the people God created them to be.
Pray for Your Grandchildren
The most important thing you can do for your grandchildren is to pray for them. You should pray for their salvation and spiritual growth. Pray for their safety, friendships, education, and future. Pray for protection from evil and that they can resist the temptations they will face.
Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. – Philippians 4:6-7 NLT
Model a Godly Life for Your Grandchildren
Another important thing you can do is model a godly life for your grandchildren. Your trust in God should be evident in your speech and conduct. They should see you reading your Bible, praying, attending church, and serving.
They should hear your stories of God’s faithfulness to you. Share with them about answered prayers and how God has given you perspective on unanswered prayers. Be a living example of what it means to have a relationship with God.
Understand, therefore, that the LORD your God is indeed God. He is the faithful God who keeps His covenant for a thousand generations and lavishes His unfailing love on those who love Him and obey His commands. – Deuteronomy 7:9 NLT
Spend Quality Time with Your Grandchildren
It’s also important to spend quality time with your grandchildren. Make the most of every opportunity to be with them, whether it’s for a special occasion or a regular visit. Create memories with them that will last a lifetime. Take them on outings, share your hobbies with them, and engage in activities they enjoy. Like my grandmother shared her love of life with me, now I use these times to impart Christian values and Biblical truths to my grandkids.
Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it. – Proverbs 22:6 NLT
Be Intentional about Sharing the Gospel with Your Grandchildren
Most importantly, be intentional about sharing the Gospel with your grandchildren. Please don’t assume they know the truth, or someone else will tell them. Instead, you should take the initiative to talk with them about your faith and what it means to have a personal relationship with Jesus.
Help them understand the good news by answering questions and pointing them to Scripture. Tell them about the times you may have doubted and how God built your faith.
They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved, along with everyone in your household.” – Acts 16:31 NLT
You have the power to shape your grandchildren’s lives in ways that will have eternal significance. Pray for them. Model the Christian life for them. Spend time with them. Share the Gospel with them. Your influence can make a difference that will last a lifetime and beyond.
Dig Deeper
1. What hobbies or interests do you have that could be a conduit for talking about God with your grandchildren? How can you integrate conversations about God into your daily life and time with your grandchildren?
2. What are some age-appropriate ways to share the gospel with your grandchildren? What aids might be used as you share the gospel with your grandchildren?
Bible Verses for Grandparents
1. Even in old age they will still produce fruit; they will remain vital and green. – Psalm 92:14 NLT
2. Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is gained by living a godly life. – Proverbs 16:31 NLT
3. But the love of the Lord remains forever with those who fear him. His salvation extends to the children’s children. – Psalm 103:17 NLT
4. Good people leave an inheritance to their grandchildren, but the sinner’s wealth passes to the godly. – Proverbs 13:22 NLT
5. I remember your genuine faith, for you share the faith that first filled your grandmother Lois and your mother, Eunice. And I know that same faith continues strong in you. – 2 Timothy 1:5 NLT
6. But watch out! Be careful never to forget what you yourself have seen. Do not let these memories escape from your mind as long as you live! And be sure to pass them on to your children and grandchildren. – Deuteronomy 4:9 NLT
7. I will be your God throughout your lifetime—until your hair is white with age. I made you, and I will care for you. I will carry you along and save you. – Isaiah 46:4 NLT
8. These are the commands, decrees, and regulations that the Lord your God commanded me to teach you. You must obey them in the land you are about to enter and occupy, and you and your children and grandchildren must fear the Lord your God as long as you live. If you obey all his decrees and commands, you will enjoy a long life. – Deuteronomy 6:1-2 NLT
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