Grandparents raising grandchildren face unique challenges, but the Bible highlights their role in teaching faith and providing love. Today, let’s see how Scripture encourages grandparents in this special responsibility and offers wisdom for their journey.
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What Does The Bible Say About Grandparents Raising Their Grandchildren
Proverbs 17:6
“Children’s children are a crown to the aged, and parents are the pride of their children.”
This verse acknowledges the special role that grandchildren have in the lives of their grandparents. It emphasizes the honor and joy that grandparents experience when their grandchildren are part of their lives.
It also recognizes that grandparents who take on the responsibility of raising their grandchildren have an opportunity to pass down values, wisdom, and love to the next generation.
Psalm 127:3
“Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him.”
This verse reminds us that children, including grandchildren, are a precious gift from God. It highlights the responsibility and privilege that grandparents have in nurturing and raising their grandchildren.
Even in the unique circumstances where grandparents step in as primary caretakers, this verse affirms that children are still a blessing and a reward from God.
Exodus 20:12
“Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you.”
This commandment speaks to the importance of honoring and respecting our parents, including grandparents. It reminds us that showing respect and gratitude for the sacrifices and care provided by grandparents is not only a moral duty but also a pathway to a blessed life.
When grandparents take on the role of raising their grandchildren, this verse serves as a reminder of the importance of gratitude and honoring them for their commitment and love.
Deuteronomy 4:9
“Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them fade from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them.”
In this verse, God instructs the Israelites to pass down their experiences and knowledge to future generations. Similarly, grandparents who raise their grandchildren have an opportunity to impart their wisdom, faith, and life lessons to the next generation.
By sharing their life experiences and teaching their grandchildren, grandparents can help shape their character and prepare them for the future.
Proverbs 13:22
“A good person leaves an inheritance for their children’s children, but a sinner’s wealth is stored up for the righteous.”
This verse highlights the value of leaving a legacy for future generations. While it speaks specifically about material inheritance, it can also be applied to leaving behind a spiritual heritage and a firm foundation of faith.
Grandparents who invest in the spiritual growth and well-being of their grandchildren leave a lasting impact on their lives and pave the way for a blessed future.
Deuteronomy 6:6-7
“These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.”
In this verse, God instructs His people to diligently teach His commandments to their children. The responsibility of passing down faith and spiritual values is not limited to parents but extends to grandparents as well.
Grandparents who actively engage with their grandchildren, sharing wisdom and teaching them about God’s ways, play a vital role in nurturing their faith and helping them grow into spiritual maturity.
Titus 2:3-5
“Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. Then they can urge the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God.”
While this verse specifically addresses older women teaching younger women, it underscores the importance of intergenerational mentorship and guidance within the family and community.
Grandmothers who raise their grandchildren have the opportunity to instill values and wisdom in their granddaughters, teaching them about the importance of faith, family, and a godly lifestyle.
Psalm 103:17-18
“But from everlasting to everlasting the Lord’s love is with those who fear him, and his righteousness with their children’s children— with those who keep his covenant and remember to obey his precepts.”
God’s love and faithfulness extend to future generations, including the grandchildren of those who fear and obey Him. This verse reassures grandparents that their commitment to walking in obedience and faithfulness to God has a lasting impact.
By raising their grandchildren in the fear and knowledge of the Lord, grandparents participate in God’s promise of blessing and goodness for generations to come.
2 Timothy 1:5
“I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also.”
This verse highlights the spiritual influence of Timothy’s grandmother and mother on his life. It demonstrates the power of passing down faith from one generation to another and the lasting impact it can have.
Grandparents who raise their grandchildren have the potential to shape their spiritual journeys and leave a strong imprint of faith, just like Lois did for Timothy.
Psalm 78:4
“We will not hide them from their descendants; we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, his power, and the wonders he has done.”
This verse compels us to share with the next generation the stories of God’s faithfulness and the mighty works He has done. It encourages grandparents to actively pass on the accounts of God’s goodness and provision to their grandchildren.
By sharing personal testimonies and the miracles of God, grandparents can inspire faith and strengthen the spiritual foundation of their grandchildren.
Proverbs 22:6
“Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old, they will not turn from it.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of early and intentional guidance in a child’s life. When grandparents step in to raise their grandchildren, they have an opportunity to shape their character and introduce them to a life of faith and righteousness.
By establishing a strong moral and spiritual foundation, grandparents can greatly influence the path their grandchildren will follow as they grow older.
Psalm 71:17-18
“Since my youth, God, you have taught me, and to this day I declare your marvelous deeds. 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.”
In this passage, the psalmist expresses the lifelong commitment to proclaiming God’s faithfulness and mighty acts, even in old age. This verse resonates with grandparents who are raising their grandchildren, as they have a unique opportunity to declare the power and goodness of God to the next generation.
Grandparents can be a living testimony of God’s faithfulness and serve as a bridge to pass on the knowledge and experiences of their faith to their grandchildren.
Proverbs 13:14
“The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life, turning a person from the snares of death.”
This verse highlights the life-giving nature of wisdom and guidance. When grandparents take on the role of raising their grandchildren, they have the opportunity to teach and guide them in ways that can protect them from harmful influences and lead them towards a blessed and purposeful life.
The wisdom imparted by grandparents can flow like a fountain, nourishing the hearts and minds of their grandchildren, and steering them away from the destructive paths of life.
Colossians 3:16
“Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.”
This passage encourages believers to let the message of Christ have a rich and influential presence in their lives. This is particularly relevant for grandparents raising their grandchildren, as they have the opportunity to implant the message of Christ deeply into their hearts.
By teaching and modeling a Christ-centered lifestyle, grandparents can foster an environment where their grandchildren can grow in faith and develop a heart of gratitude towards God.
Psalm 78:6-7
“so the next generation would know them, even the children yet to be born, and they in turn would tell their children. Then they would put their trust in God and would not forget his deeds but would keep his commands.”
God has always emphasized passing down His commandments and faithfulness from one generation to the next. When grandparents raise their grandchildren, they have a unique opportunity to ensure that the knowledge of God’s deeds and commands continues to be passed on.
By instilling a trust in God and a deep respect for His ways, grandparents can cultivate a strong spiritual legacy that will endure for generations.
Luke 1:50
“His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation.”
This verse reminds us that God’s mercy is not limited to one generation but extends to all who fear Him throughout the ages. When grandparents raise their grandchildren, they have the privilege of being a tangible expression of God’s mercy and love to the next generation.
Through their words, actions, and nurturing care, grandparents can help their grandchildren develop a deep reverence for God and experience the richness of His mercy.
Proverbs 29:17
“Discipline your children, and they will give you peace; they will bring you the delights you desire.”
This verse speaks to the importance of discipline in raising children. For grandparents who find themselves raising their grandchildren, it is vital to establish boundaries, provide structure, and guide them with love and discipline.
By nurturing their grandchildren in a disciplined environment, grandparents can pave the way for a harmonious and joyful relationship that brings fulfillment and delight in their lives.
1 Peter 5:7
“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”
For grandparents who are faced with the responsibility of raising their grandchildren, this verse offers reassurance and comfort. It reminds them to cast their anxieties and concerns on God, knowing that He cares deeply for them and their grandchildren.
By entrusting their worries to God, grandparents can find solace and strength to navigate the challenges of parenting a second time around.
Psalm 127:4-5
“Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are children born in one’s youth. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them. They will not be put to shame when they contend with their opponents in court.”
This verse paints a picture of children being compared to arrows in the hands of a warrior. It expresses the value and strength that children bring to their parents, and by extension, to their grandparents as well.
Grandparents who raise their grandchildren can find comfort in knowing that a full quiver of children is a blessing, and they can be confident that their grandchildren will stand strong and not be put to shame in any challenges they may face.
Ephesians 6:4
“Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.”
While this verse addresses fathers directly, its principles can be applied by grandparents as well. In the context of raising grandchildren, it reminds them to foster an environment of love, guidance, and spiritual instruction.
By providing training and instruction in the ways of the Lord, grandparents can help their grandchildren grow into individuals who thrive in their relationship with God and with others.
Psalm 128:6
“May you live to see your children’s children—peace be on Israel!”
This verse expresses a blessing upon the people of Israel, praying that they may live to see their children’s children. It encapsulates the joy and fulfillment that comes from witnessing the growth and blessings within multiple generations of a family.
For grandparents raising their grandchildren, this verse serves as a reminder that God desires peace and blessing upon their lives and the generations that follow.
Joshua 24:15
“But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.”
In this verse, Joshua declares his commitment to serving the Lord and invites his household to do the same. When grandparents raise their grandchildren, they have the opportunity to establish a strong foundation of faith and declare their commitment to serving the Lord.
By creating a godly atmosphere in their homes and modeling a life of faith, grandparents can shape the spiritual trajectory of their grandchildren and inspire them to choose the Lord for themselves.
Proverbs 16:6
“Through love and faithfulness sin is atoned for; through the fear of the Lord evil is avoided.”
In this verse, we learn about the power of love and faithfulness in bringing about atonement for sins. When grandparents raise their grandchildren, they have the opportunity to demonstrate love, faithfulness, and the fear of the Lord.
By cultivating a loving and righteous atmosphere in their homes, grandparents can help their grandchildren understand the importance of avoiding evil and seeking forgiveness through the fear of the Lord.
Matthew 19:14
“Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.’”
This verse reminds us of the importance of welcoming and nurturing children in their relationship with Jesus. As grandparents raising their grandchildren, it is essential to encourage and support their grandchildren’s spiritual growth and their connection with God.
By fostering an environment that allows their grandchildren to encounter Jesus, grandparents can play a vital role in laying the foundation for their eternal relationship with Him.
Psalm 145:4
“One generation commends your works to another; they tell of your mighty acts.”
This verse celebrates the intergenerational transmission of the knowledge of God’s works and mighty acts. It recognizes the responsibility of one generation to pass on the stories and testimonies of God’s faithfulness to the next.
Grandparents who raise their grandchildren can actively engage in telling the tales of God’s faithfulness, instilling hope, and strengthening their grandchildren’s faith.