You either are one or have some. No family tree is complete without them.
You probably have heard the saying, “Spoil your grandkids and then send them home to Mom and Dad.” But what really is the role of grandparents?
It is a gift to be the recipient of the blessing of grandparents.
So let’s dive in and learn how to be a blessing as a grandparent or a grandchild.
The Blessing Of Grandparents In The Bible
Genealogies were an important part of Biblical times and grandparents were an integral part of the family unit.
We find grandparents would bless their grandchildren, not with candy, toys, or other indulgences, but with guidance for success in life.
“Joseph said to his father, ‘They are my sons, whom God has given me here.’ And he said, ‘Bring them to me, please, that I may bless them.’ ” Genesis 48:9 ESV
“I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice … ” 2 Timothy 1:5
God’s plan has always been to pass guidance and love for God from one generation to the next.
“Only take care, and keep your soul diligently, lest you forget the things that your eyes have seen, and lest they depart from your heart all the days of your life. Make them known to your children and your children’s children.” Deuteronomy 4:9
The Blessing Of Grandparents Today
Grandparents can be great role models, helping build confidence, integrity, and love for Jesus in their grandchildren.
Just being a good listener to those young minds as they describe their hopes and dreams is one of the blessings of grandparents.
Of course, the important topics don’t come until you have listened to a lot of silly kid things. Children will share their hearts when they know you care.
Grandparents have the opportunity to pass a great legacy onto their grandchildren in many physical, emotional, and spiritual ways.
Practical Ideas For The Blessing Of Grandparents
The blessing of grandparents can actually go two directions:
- From the grandparent to the child
- From the child to the grandparent.
The Blessing of Grandparents from the Elder to the Younger
So what legacy will you leave to your grandchildren?
Never underestimate the important role you play in their lives. Your example and words can be powerful.
- Pray for them daily
- Find something positive in their negatives
- Speak and write encouraging words
Pray for them daily
What should you pray for your grandchildren?
- That they will have faith that never gives up, even on the hardest days. This you will also need to demonstrate in your own life.
- That they will have the desire to read, understand, and apply God’s Word to their lives.
- That they will trust in God’s plan for them because His ways are best.
- That they will understand their identity in Christ and believe it.
- That they will love God with all their heart, mind, and soul.
- That they will always talk to God about everything.
Praying Scripture for your family is a powerful blessing of grandparents.
“Lord, I ask that you help my grandchild not be molded by peer pressure but be transformed into the person you want her to be through your words.” (Adapted from Romans 12:1-2)
Find something positive in their negatives
Kids can be annoying sometimes. Maybe they talk too much. Try to direct that into something positive like reciting Scripture. Make it fun. Make it rewarding.
Use words and written encouragement
You won’t be around for all of your grandchildren’s lives if things play out normally.
It is great to hear encouragement from a grandparent, but when you also write something from time to time, they can keep it forever.
The Blessing of Grandparents from the Younger to the Elder
Never underestimate the important blessings you can give to your grandparents.
- Pray for them daily
- Encourage them with written words
- Understand their unique challenges as they age
Pray for them daily
What are some things that you can pray that will bless your grandparents?
- That their faith will remain strong even as they face more and more challenges related to aging.
- That they will continue to understand that their life has meaning and purpose even as many things change and that they will follow God’s direction in their lives.
- That they will continue to be a blessing to those who may care for them when their bodies become feeble
- That God will be their strength as the enemy will try to discourage them.
Encourage them with written words
As time passes, your grandparents may begin to forget things. They also may feel lonely and isolated at times.
When you write something encouraging to them, they can read it over and over again. It will also help them know that they are not forgotten.
Understand their unique challenges as they age
Most grandparents will reach a point of not being able to do a lot of things they used to do. This can cause a type of grieving. They may become sad or depressed.
Ask them to tell you about the things they used to do, about their childhood, education, how they met your parents, what holidays were like, etc.
Help them relive those times even though they maybe can’t do them anymore. This will bless your grandparents more than you realize.
Resources for the blessing of grandparents
While physical gifts are thoughtful, sometimes grandparents simply don’t have space for them.
If you want to get them physical gifts, give them practical things that they actually will use.
Free gift for the blessing of grandparents
You can also give written words of encouragement using these easy-to-print notecards. Help yourself- they are free and you can download them without an email.
They are 8 1/2 x 11 inches – for printing on cardstock and cut apart to make 4 cards from each sheet. They come with instructions. Hover over one of the sheets for the PDF.
If you need A4 size, the PDF is here.
Other resources for the blessing of grandparents
“Praying Scripture for family” gives you examples of actual prayers from Bible verses. Many can be adapted for grandparents or grandchildren.
The Digital Prayer planner/journal gives you different topics to pray about each day of the week. One day is designated for family members.
Another section is for concerns to pray about each day. Because it is digital, as prayer requests change, you can erase and update them.
References:
- Thanks to Bible Gateway for easy navigation of the Scriptures.