5 Reasons a Grandparent’s Faith Means So Much
- Jennifer Waddle iBelieve Contributor
- Updated Jul 13, 2023
In a landscape where many influences tug at the hearts and minds of our grandchildren, how can we get them to recognize the value of our faith? What would make them want to follow in our footsteps and believe in Jesus for salvation? These are crucial questions for us to consider as the world pulls our grandchildren in various directions - often away from God.
If you're a grandparent who wants to pass on your faith, the first step is recognizing the value you bring to the table. The light you shine for Jesus may very well light the path for your grandkids to surrender their life to Christ. Keep shining, keep believing, and keep the faith.
Here are five reasons a grandparent's faith means so much:
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1. It Might Be the Only Faith They See
Slide 1 of 5Many grandparents find themselves in a challenging place of being the only family members following Christ. If this describes you, please be encouraged today. Your faith might be the only faith your grandchildren see, giving you a divine opportunity to display it well.
Let your grandchildren witness firsthand the power of prayer, the importance of Bible study, and the strength that comes from trusting God. This exposure can profoundly shape their understanding of faith, helping them navigate challenges and make important decisions throughout their lives.
You don't have to push your faith on your grandkids to make a significant impact on them. When your grandchildren see how you love them with the unconditional love of God, they will be given a beautiful treasure that they will hopefully open for themselves.
Even if you're the only believer in your extended family, don't lose heart. See it as a precious calling to set a strong example of faith in the one true God.
A Prayer for Your Grandkids to Recognize the Value of Your Faith:
Heavenly Father, please open the eyes of our grandchildren to see that our faith in You is real and eternal. Please press on their hearts a desire to know you unto salvation. In Jesus' holy name, amen.
Photo credit: ©GettyImages/LuckyBusiness -
2. It Provides a Firm Foundation
Slide 2 of 5When grandchildren see how their grandparents confidently navigate life's challenges, they will hopefully be inspired to lean on Jesus in times of struggle. Steadfast faith can offer a sense of stability and hope, especially in a rapidly changing world.
Remind your grandkids of the importance of building their life on solid ground. Share with them the example Jesus gave in Matthew 7:24-27 when He said, "Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash."
A Prayer for a Firm Foundation:
Father, please help us live in such a way that our grandchildren see the solid foundation upon which we stand. Help them learn to build their lives on Jesus, the Solid Rock. In His name, we pray, amen.
Photo credit: ©GettyImages/jacoblund
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3. It Offers Wisdom and Guidance
Slide 3 of 5It's rare these days for younger people to seek wise counsel from the older generation. Instead, they Google the answers they need and turn to social media for guidance.
Grandparents have a wonderful opportunity to speak life and truth into their grandkids' lives. In everyday situations, as well as difficult seasons, wisdom can be offered in such a way that grandchildren see the value in what they are hearing.
Pray hard for God to give you the words to speak at the right time and in the right way. Depend on the Holy Spirit to guide you as you lead your grandkids in the ways of the Lord. Don't worry about making them believe. Simply present your faith in a gentle, loving way and trust God to open their eyes to His truth.
A Prayer for Wisdom and Guidance:
Father, please speak wisdom through us to our grandkids. Open their ears to hear the truth of Your Word. We trust You, Lord. In Jesus' name, amen.
Photo credit: ©Getty Images/Tutye -
4. It Displays Unconditional Love
Slide 4 of 5More than anything, a grandparent's faith displays the unconditional love of the Father - and that's something kids desperately need in a confusing world full of mixed messages.
When Jesus said, "Let your light shine," He was instructing His followers to illuminate the darkness with His glorious light. Our grandchildren need to recognize God's pure love, which is different from the world's definition of love.
When we share our faith by displaying who God is and what He has done, we are sharing the love of the Father through Jesus Christ, His Son. The most important message we'll ever share is the Good News of the Gospel, and it begins with the words, "For God so loved the world."
A Prayer for God's Unconditional Love:
Father, please shine the light of Your love through us to our grandchildren. Open wide their hearts to receive the truth of Your salvation and surrender their lives to You. In Jesus' name, amen.
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5. It Gives Testimony of God's Faithfulness
Slide 5 of 5Every time you share the wonderful things God has done with your grandkids, it plants seeds of faith. And as those seeds take root, the Lord will be faithful to water them. Let your life be a testimony of God's goodness and faithfulness as you share stories of how He has led you every step of the way.
Hopefully, your grandchildren will grow to see the value of your faith and wonder how they, too, can enter into a relationship with the Savior. Ultimately, this is the goal of our faith, isn't it? So, let's continue to abide in Christ and be faithful examples of His life-changing power.
May God bless and keep you as you let your light shine and continue to be a strong example to your grandchildren. Your faith means more than you know, and you can trust God to bless your witness in His perfect time.
A Prayer for Your Testimony:
Lord, please use my life as a living testimony of Your grace and mercy. Let my grandchildren see that You have been the One to guide and direct me every step of the way. Lead them to a moment where they will recognize their need for a Savior and know that You are the Way, the Truth, and the Life. In Jesus' name, amen.
Photo credit: GettyImages/monkeybusinessimagesJennifer Waddle is the author of several books, including Prayer WORRIER: Turning Every Worry into Powerful Prayer, and is a regular contributor for LifeWay, Crosswalk, Abide, and Christians Care International. Jennifer’s online ministry is EncouragementMama.com where you can find her books and sign up for her weekly post, Discouragement Doesn’t Win. She resides with her family near the foothills of the Rocky Mountains—her favorite place on earth.