The Bible does not have a specific section focused on grandparents, but there are many passages that provide guidance for grandparents and their important role in families. Here is an overview of what the Bible says about grandparents:
Honoring Grandparents
The Bible emphasizes honoring one’s father and mother. This commandment from Exodus 20:12 applies not just to young children but to adults honoring their parents as they age: “Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land that the Lord your God is giving you.” Grandparents should be honored and cared for by their extended families.
Passing Down Faith
A key role grandparents can play is passing down faith and spiritual values to grandchildren. As experienced mentors in the family, grandparents can share stories of God’s faithfulness and teach children biblical truths. Psalms 78:4 says “We will not hide them from their children, but tell to the coming generation the glorious deeds of the Lord, and his might, and the wonders that he has done.”
Leave an Inheritance
Caring grandparents desire to leave an inheritance for their grandchildren. This goes beyond just material possessions, as 2 Timothy 1:5 explains: “I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well.” The most valuable inheritance grandparents can leave is a spiritual legacy.
Being a Surrogate Parent
When adult children struggle with issues like addiction or incarceration, grandparents often take on the surrogate parent role. This is a calling to provide stability and godly nurture for grandchildren, as exemplified in 2 Timothy 3:14-15: “But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.”
Mentoring and Wisdom
The book of Proverbs highlights how older generations should pass on wisdom and knowledge to younger ones. Grandparents have decades of experience to draw from that allows them to mentor and advise grandchildren as they face various life situations. “Children’s children are the crown of old men, and the glory of children is their fathers” (Proverbs 17:6).
Kinship and Family Ties
Several Bible stories showcase the tight family bonds between grandparents and grandchildren. For instance, Naomi was committed to her widowed daughters-in-law out of kinship and family loyalty (Ruth 1:6-18). Paul often mentions Timothy’s grandmother Lois and mother Eunice as playing a formative role in his faith upbringing (2 Timothy 1:5). These stories demonstrate how grandparents solidify family ties.
Rejoicing Over Grandchildren
The arrival of grandchildren is a joyous blessing that grandparents celebrate. Psalms 127:3-5 poetically expresses this truth: “Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one’s youth. Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them!” Grandparents delight in their grandchildren.
Imparting Values
From an early age, grandchildren observe and learn from their grandparents’ example. This gives grandparents an opportunity to impart biblical values around integrity, strong character, love for others, work ethic, stewardship, and more. The things grandchildren learn by spending time with grandparents can positively influence them for life.
Praying for Grandchildren
One of the most powerful things grandparents can do is pray for their grandchildren. Praying for their well-being, growth in faith, and big decisions they face is a privilege and responsibility grandparents have. “First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people” (1 Timothy 2:1).
Being a Godly Example
Grandchildren look to their grandparents as role models of Christian faith. By demonstrating godliness in real-life ways, grandparents can set an example of what it means to follow Jesus. Paul told Timothy, “Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity” (1 Timothy 4:12). The same applies to grandparents.
Affirming Unconditional Love
Grandchildren need constant reassurance they are loved unconditionally. Grandparents can provide this affirmation through regular verbal encouragement, affectionate gestures, spending quality time together, and remembering special occasions. “Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins” (1 Peter 4:8).
Being Present and Involved
Grandparents bless families when they are present and actively involved in grandchildren’s lives through activities like babysitting, attending sports games and dance recitals, going on trips together, reading books, and more. This investment means so much. “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth” (3 John 1:4).
Offering a Different Perspective
Grandparents often provide a different perspective than parents because of their life experience and one step removed role. Sharing wisdom and insights with adult children and grandchildren can bring unity, direction, and problem-solving to family relationships. “Hear counsel and receive instruction, that you may be wise in your latter days” (Proverbs 19:20).
Being Flexible and Understanding
In many ways, grandparents need to defer to parents as the primary decision-makers for their grandchildren. They can support families best when they are flexible and understanding, avoiding unnecessary conflict and criticism. “I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment” (1 Corinthians 1:10).
Loving Unconditionally
A grandparent’s love should be unconditional, consistent, and without favoritism. Grandchildren need to know grandparents love them for who they are. “Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor” (Romans 12:10). This models God’s unconditional love.
Being a Listening Ear
Grandparents can provide an open, non-judgmental listening ear as grandchildren navigate life choices and difficulties. Listening patiently and compassionately rather than lecturing demonstrates love in action. “Let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger” (James 1:19). Grandchildren often open up to grandparents in ways they don’t with parents.
Offering a Safe Haven
Knowing grandparents provide a welcoming, safe space allows grandchildren to view their home as a refuge. Grandparents should make sure their home feels like a loving sanctuary for grandchildren by keeping it free from dangers, unhealthy influences, and dysfunction. “How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord of hosts!” (Psalm 84:1).
Being Approachable and Present
Grandchildren need to know grandparents are available and ready to offer their time and attention. Being present and approachable as a grandparent may mean adjusting schedules, saying no to other commitments, and making relationships with grandchildren a priority. “I thank my God in all my remembrance of you” (Philippians 1:3).
Sharing Family History
Grandparents have the opportunity to pass down family heritage and history to grandchildren. They can share meaningful memories, lessons learned, family stories, photos, ethical values, and spiritual truths that connect generations. “We will tell the coming generation the glorious deeds of the Lord, and his might, and the wonders that he has done” (Psalm 78:4).
Modeling Godliness
More than words, grandchildren observe and learn from their grandparents by modeling. Grandparents should live out their faith in ways that set an example of integrity, character, selflessness, kindness, righteousness, and godliness. “Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity” (Titus 2:7).
Prioritizing Time Together
Quality time together should be a priority for grandparents to nurture strong bonds with grandchildren. Setting aside consistent time to interact, have fun together, go on adventures, and create memories demonstrates love and care. “Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord” (Psalm 127:3). Time together is a gift.
Guiding Grandchildren Lovingly
When grandparents observe grandchildren heading in wrong or harmful directions, they can lovingly guide them with wisdom. This guidance should balance grace and truth while allowing parents to remain the primary disciplinarians. “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom” (Colossians 3:16).
Celebrating Milestones
Grandparents can make grandchildren feel valued by enthusiastically celebrating significant milestones like birthdays, graduations, first steps, lost teeth, and more. Sharing in the joy of each accomplishment models love. “Rejoice with those who rejoice” (Romans 12:15). These memories last a lifetime.
Offering Care in Crisis
When families experience crisis through job loss, illness, death, marital struggles, or other scenarios, grandparents often provide extra care for grandchildren. Stepping in demonstrates Christ’s love in action. “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2). Grandparents bring comfort amid crisis.
Leaving a Godly Legacy
As grandparents near life’s end, they can find peace in knowing they invested in what lasts forever—a godly legacy passed down through their family. Grandchildren carry treasured memories, faith foundations, and wisdom learned from grandparents. “Well done, good and faithful servant…enter into the joy of your master” (Matthew 25:21). Their legacy lives on.
Embracing the Grandparent Role
Being a grandparent is a blessing to be embraced. From imparting spiritual values, sharing life lessons, creating memories, to praying for grandchildren daily, grandparents play an irreplaceable role. The Bible provides guidance for grandparents to positively influence families. “Children’s children are the crown of old men, and the glory of children is their fathers” (Proverbs 17:6).