The Christian Grandparenting Podcast: How to Share Your Faith When Jesus is Off Limits
You love your grandchildren and you want them to know Jesus.
But your child and/or their spouse does not walk with Jesus and have declared Him off limits. What do you do?
It’s a question we’re exploring today on The Christian Grandparenting Podcast. Glad you’re here.
Hi, I'm Gayle Veitenheimer, your host for The Christian Grandparenting Podcast. Each week, I bring practical hands-on activities that teach Scripture and principles from God’s Word. I offer prayers for intercession, as well as ways to build character and to connect with your grandkids.
Finally, I bring encouragement.
Because to stay silent . . . places future generations at risk.
I'm so glad you're listening. Let's walk this grandparenting journey together.
You love your grandchildren and you want them to know Jesus. But your child and/or their spouse does not walk with Jesus and have declared Him off limits. What do you do?
You build a track record of Christlike behavior and explain the why behind it.
1. Prayer
Ephesians 6:18 reads, “And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord's people.” This verse completes the armor of God passage and that’s no coincidence. Unbelief is a warfare issue, so deal with it accordingly.
Pray for God to soften hearts. To heal wounds. To bring forgiveness and reconciliation where needed. We may need to apologize for past wrongs and to ask for forgiveness. Let's do it. Time is short. Let's not waste it nursing offenses.
Pray for the Holy Spirit to birth new life in your grandchildren and in any other family members who don’t know Jesus yet.
Ask your kids and your grandkids for their prayer needs. Rarely will an unbeliever turn down prayer, though you may get an eyeroll. Shake it off. It’s key that they know you are praying for them. Follow up. (See Episode 7: Intercessory Prayer)
2. Connection
Connect through texts, emails, cards, calls, letters, FaceTime, whatever. Just do it! And make it fun. In his book, Long-Distance Grandparenting, Wayne Rice recommends customizing an avatar or your signature. I love that!
One creative set of long-distance grandparents even made photo books with the following titles: A Day in the Life of GG and Granddad, GG and Granddad’s City, GG and Granddad Go to Church. What a great way to introduce the grandchildren to their world.
Proverbs 18:21 says, “The tongue has the power of life and death,” so get busy speaking life!
3. Role Models
Matthew 5:16 reads, “In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
Practice servant leadership. Don’t be a doormat. Set boundaries where needed but help when and where you can.
And when you’re with the grandchildren, take the opportunity to show Christlike behavior in what you say and do. Charity work. Random acts of kindness. Even making (or bringing) soup to your sick kids while you’re taking care of the grandkids. Giving old clothes to Goodwill or dropping cash into a Salvation Army bucket. All of these offer a chance to talk about what you are doing and why.
1 Peter 3:15-16 says, “But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.”
Keep that ready answer short and sweet. No need for a sermon. Hopefully, more questions will follow.
4. Film and Literature
I'll talk about this more in coming episode. Don’t skip this one. Not only does this give you another way to connect, quality fiction, notice how I qualified that statement, brims with biblical principles. An abundant supply exists for all ages, boys and girls, but you'll need to vet it. What were your favorites as a child? Is there a film version you can share? Everyone loves a good story and the right story sneaks in character-building values and virtues.
Bottom line? Here’s your goal. That after time with you, the grandkids know:
· My grandparents listen.
· They know me.
· They love me. No matter what.
· They don’t judge me—or my parents.
· They are trustworthy.
· I can talk to them about anything.
Let's pray: Father God, we pray for our unbelieving family members. Soften hearts and open doors. Help us to persevere as You work. In Jesus's name, Amen.
Prayer. Connection. Role Models. Film and literature. Use them to build a bridge when Jesus is off limits.
Then be ready for the questions to come.
Thanks for listening. Before you go, would you help me out by doing one thing?
Rate this episode.
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Or share this podcast episode with your favorite grandparent.
Thanks for joining me. Now, let's hit the trail. See you out there.
Show Notes for How to Share Your Faith When Jesus is Off Limits
Scripture to Help Grandparents:
Ephesians 6:18
Proverbs 18:21
Matthew 5:16
1 Peter 3:15-16
Long-Distance Grandparenting by Wayne Rice
The Christian Grandparenting Podcast: Episode 7: Intercessory Prayer
Coming soon! Episode 34: Building Character in Your Grandchildren with Children’s Literature
Next on The Christian Grandparenting Podcast: Discovering Your Grandparent Superpowers.
