God gives grandparents an important role in their grandchildren's lives

Our children are returning to school, excited to see friends and learn. Parents' schedules change and sometimes life gets overwhelming. Grandparents can be very helpful to parents at this time. For some, it might be your first experience being a grandparent. You might be asking yourself what are my responsibilities as grandparent. How can I help with these precious gifts of God?

What does the Bible say about being a grandparent?

One thing you must accept − we lose control in many areas. The control and decision making for your grandchildren’s lives are in the hands of their parents.

We can look in the Old Testament in Genesis 48 at the life of Jacob, the grandfather of Joseph’s son, Ephraim and Manasseh. Jacob gave each one portions of the land that God gave Abraham, the great grandfather of Jacob.

In the New Testament  in 2 Timothy 1:5, we learn about Loris, who influenced young Timothy to become a pastor, submitting his life to Christ and touching the lives of many, even yet today.

My personal mission

I am a grandmother and great grandmother. My ministry to my grandchildren is a priority in my life. I take advantage of every opportunity that I get to be with them and sow seeds of love and God’s faithfulness in their minds and hearts.

I also aim to help my children raise them up with good character and respect for others. We all love them and want what is best for them; children are a gift from God. We find Great purpose and pleasure in helping them succeed in life.

God has given us many promises

Psalm 103:17 “But the steadfast love of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear him and his righteousness to his children’s children.”

Deuteronomy  4:9 "Only take care and keep your soul diligently lest you forget the things that your eyes have seen, and lest they depart from your hear all the days of your life and make them known to your children and your children’s children."

Modeling God's character

Our prayers as grandparents can make a great difference in their lives. We are called to bear the fruit of the Spirit.

Galatians 5:22 “ But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, fait, meekness and temperance against such there is no law.”

This can be done in firmness with opportunities to show love. Many times, love has been misused and many sins committed in the name of love. God’s boundaries do not change, nor do the consequences of sin. God will give the strength to work through wrong choices, but it will not be easy. We need to be strong in the discipline of our grandchildren. We want them to love us, but we also must consider how the choices they are allowed when they are young will make a difference in the choices they make in the future.

We must be sure to work with their mom and dad in regards to their method of behavior management. Parents have the largest influence on their children and grandparents have an opportunity to be a blessing to the entire family as they work together.

Reminders for grandparents

As grandparents, we need be very careful never to interfere or take sides in our children’s marriage. God said a man should leave his mother and father and cleave to his wife and the two shall become one. It is the grandparent’s responsibility to encourage, love, bring peace and unity.

Never speak negatively about either parent to the grandchildren, but always encourage love, forgiveness, unselfishness and understanding.

God’s plan for men and women is to marry and to have children. There are other times God has another plan which may not include giving physical birth, but always the opportunity to encourage children’s spiritual growth through adoption, family and friendship.

God tells husbands to love their wives, (Ephesians 5:25-28) and fathers not to provoke their children to anger but teach them to obey God’s word. (Colossians 3:21) Titus 2:4-5 teaches us that younger women are to be taught by older women to bear children, love their husbands and guide the home teaching their children to honor God’s Word.

The power of prayer

Sometimes because of distance and or difficult issues, it is impossible for grandparents to be as involved as they might want to be. Let me remind you of the power of prayer − that wonderful power that God has to touch the hearts of children.

The desire of grandparents should be a safe, secure, loving environment for their children and grandchildren. Never give up praying and trusting God to speak to hearts and continue to have unconditional love no matter the issue, offence or separation.

God hears your prayers.

God blesses a humble heart of love and remember He loves them more than we do. They are His special creation and He has a plan and purpose for their lives.

Our prayer at Weekday Religious Education is that each family become a strong unit, working together to make our families community, and nation a strong moral, free nation built on the Authority of God’s Word.

Contact Information: Morgan County Schools of Weekday Religious Education P.O. Box 1285 Martinsville, In 46151

This article originally appeared on The Reporter Times: God gives grandparents an important role in their grandchildren's lives