The faith that began with a grandmother
A teaching for grandparents · 2 Timothy 1:3–5
3I thank God, whom I serve with a clear conscience as did my forefathers, as I constantly remember you night and day in my prayers. 4Recalling your tears, I long to see you so that I may be filled with joy. 5I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first dwelt in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am convinced is in you as well.
Context
Paul writes this letter as a prisoner in Rome, near the end of his life, to young Timothy, who was caring for the church in Ephesus. Acts 16:1 tells us that Timothy was the son of a Jewish woman who believed and of a Greek father; there is no sign that his father shared the faith. As he remembers his disciple's tears and sincere faith, Paul goes back two generations: before Eunice, the mother, there was Lois, the grandmother.
What the Bible teaches
Paul says that faith “first dwelt in your grandmother Lois.” It is a household word: faith lived there, took up residence, before being passed on. Lois does not appear preaching or traveling. She appears as someone whose faith was sincere, without pretense, so much so that an apostle remembered it decades later. Sincere faith is the kind you see up close, in the kitchen, in sickness, when money is tight, and it keeps standing.
Timothy grew up in a home where only his mother believed. That comforts many families today: when only one parent has faith, or neither does, a grandmother or grandfather can be a bridge. The task is not to replace the parents or to pressure the grandchildren, but to offer, with respect for the parents' authority, a visible faith that prays, tells stories and welcomes.
Notice also the word “first.” Lois's faith did not guarantee Timothy's; Paul says he is convinced it is in him as well. Each generation needs to believe for itself. The grandparents' role is to sow and to pray, not to control the outcome. The harvest belongs to God.
In practice
Handwrite on a card a short testimony of how God has worked in your life and give it to a grandchild to keep.
To talk about
Who was the first person in our family to show real faith, and what did they do that left a mark on us?
Prayer
Father, thank You for those who believed before me. Give me a sincere faith, without pretense, that my grandchildren can see up close. Keep me from pressuring and controlling; teach me to sow, pray and wait. May the faith that dwells in me find a home in them too. Amen.
See also: Timothy.