The Kerusso – October | 2025 Kerusso (Greek): “To publish, proclaim openly: something which has been done.”
Why Do Our Grandchildren Love Us? Max Edwards Maybe I should be asking, “Do they love us?” LOL. But seriously, Judy and I feel quite confident that we are on our grandkids’ nice list. The poignant question is this, “Why is that the case?” Now, as you might be guessing, I’m asking the question, and pondering this subject as a spiritual analogy to our relationship with our heavenly Father. Not that I am completely above a shameless plug, showing off our family. 😊 Our four Grandchildren
So, why do our little ones love us? Is it only because of what we give them? Or is it because of something deeper – something parents have passed to them?
Below are some possible explanations, along with why I think they are not compelling reasons: 1. Do they love us just because we give them things? No. Although we do enjoy giving our kids and grandkids material blessings when we are able, I don’t believe that is the reason they enjoy our company. Sometimes, we are not able to be as generous with them for a variety of reasons, but their love and appreciation does not change. 2. Do they love us because of the positions we hold, or responsibilities we fulfil? No. Our grandchildren are 12, 10, 8, and 6. I would be surprised if any of them could fully articulate what we do in our work or ministry life. They are not impressed by any titles we hold, education we have achieved, or accolades we have received. 3. Do they love us because we never enforce boundaries, nor chide them for unkind actions or attitudes? No. When behavior warrants it, we confront them in ways consistent with their parents’ convictions and then turn them over to a parent for further action when necessary. We sincerely believe in loving discipline. 4. Do they love us because we are rich, or famous, or uniquely good looking? No. Now it’s true that I believe Judy is indeed uniquely good looking! But, irrespective of that, I’m sure they would love us no matter what we looked like. And they certainly don’t know how much money we have, nor whether we are popular or famous. I believe the primary reason they love us is this - are you ready? Because our kids love us. Simply that. And to a great extent, I can say they love us unconditionally. … Not for our money, prominence, or beauty. They love us - dare I say it – because we first loved them. We showered them with love that wasn’t economic or materialistic. We loved them for who they were and are. And our son and daughter passed that love on to their spouses. Then, when kids came along, they naturally loved us. The appreciation and admiration of our kids for us simply became the norm, and over time, the love they felt, and feel grows because of healthy and regular contact with us. So, how do we “teach” our kids, our families, and our flocks to love the LORD? By truly loving the LORD ourselves. Not because of what He gives us, or how “important” He is, or whether or not He ever disciplines us. He loved us first, and if we wholeheartedly love Him actively and truly, those who follow us will quite naturally love Him too.