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 Lawrence Welk, 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. 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. 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. 7 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 to 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. They will still give fruit when they are old. They will be full of life and strength. – Psalm 92:14 NLT
2. Hair that is turning white is like a crown of honor. It is found in the way of being right with God. – Proverbs 16:31 NLT
3. But the loving-kindness of the Lord is forever and forever on those who fear Him. And what is right with God is given forever to their children’s children. – Psalm 103:17 NLT
4. A good man leaves what he owns for his children’s children. The riches of the sinner are stored up for those who are right with God. – Proverbs 13:22 NLT
5. I remember your true faith. It is the same faith your grandmother Lois had and your mother Eunice had. I am sure you have that same faith also. – 2 Timothy 1:5 NLT
6. Only be careful. Keep watch over your life. Or you might forget the things you have seen. Do not let them leave your heart for the rest of your life. But teach them to your children and to your grandchildren. – Deuteronomy 4:9 NLT
7. Even when you are old I will be the same. And even when your hair turns white, I will help you. I will take care of what I have made. I will carry you, and will 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, 2 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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