5 Seeds to Plant in Your Grandchildren's Hearts This Spring
Grandparents have the divine opportunity to plant seeds in their grandchildren's hearts. Through in-person interactions or written correspondence, we play a unique role of both nurturer and teacher. By observing our grandchildren’s personalities, strengths, and interests, we learn new ways of relating to them, planting seeds of faith as we go. And the seeds we plant now, God will grow according to His timeline. As Paul reminded the believers in Corinth, “I planted, Apollos watered, but God [all the while] was causing the growth.” (1 Corinthians 3:6 AMP)
As spring approaches, pray about which seeds you’ll plant in your grandchildren’s hearts. Here are a few important ones to consider.
1. Seeds of Joy
1. Seeds of Joy
“You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands.” (Isaiah 55:12)
Kids are struggling these days, and as grandparents, we often feel helpless to help. But that’s what the enemy wants. He creates distance, division, and discouragement so that we’ll fret more than we act. I say we defy the enemy’s plans and plant seeds of joy in our grandchildren’s hearts!
This reminds me of my husband’s grandfather, who used to burst into song at the dinner table. He would sing the choruses of old, declaring, “Great is Thy faithfulness” and “What a day that will be.” These are precious memories of a grandparent who sowed joy at every family event.
Here are a few joy-filled verses to share with your grandkids:
“Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation.” (Psalm 95:1)
“For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.” (Psalm 100:5)
“The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.” (Psalm 126:3)
Planting seeds of joy also includes teaching them how to pray when they’re worried, sad, or afraid. They can go to God anytime and say, “Lord, please fill me with joy today!”
2. Seeds of Obedience
2. Seeds of Obedience
“If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.” (John 15:10-11)
Planting seeds of obedience will benefit our grandkids both now and in the future. Encouraging them to listen to their parents, be respectful of their teachers, and obey the laws of the land reminds them of God’s design for mankind.
Above all, teach them to obey Jesus by knowing and doing what the Bible says. Remind them it’s not about following a bunch of rules, but about walking in relationship with the Lord and letting the Holy Spirit guide them.
When we love someone, we want to do things that honor and please them. This is the heart of obedience. Jesus asks us to remain in His love by keeping His commands. “In fact, this is love for God: to keep his commands. And his commands are not burdensome, for everyone born of God overcomes the world.” (1 John 5:3)
Here’s another helpful resource to teach your grandchildren about obedience.
Photo credit: ©GettyImages/Tom Merton
3. Seeds of Hope
3. Seeds of Hope
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 15:13)
Kids can get so wrapped up in what’s right in front of them that they forget there’s a bright future ahead. Grandparents have lived long enough to know that today’s troubles will pass and better days will come. Let’s remind our grandchildren to put their trust in God by planting seeds of hope that will take root, sprout, and grow into a life of faith.
Here are a few encouragements to share with your grandkids:
-You can do this because nothing is impossible with God.
-You are never alone; Jesus is with you.
-God made you in His image; how He loves you.
-God has something special in mind; what a bright future you have!
Find ways to listen well, engage, and offer seeds of hope. Remind your grandchildren to set their minds on things above, not on earth below. (Colossians 3:2) Talk about heavenly things, such as angels guarding them and Jesus leading them. Remember Proverbs 23:18, which says, “There is surely a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off.”
4. Seeds of Wisdom
4. Seeds of Wisdom
“Get wisdom; develop good judgment. Don’t forget my words or turn away from them.” (Proverbs 4:5 NLT)
Of all the things passed down from grandparent to grandchild, wisdom is most important. The book of Proverbs emphasizes Godly wisdom above all else, and we have an obligation to plant seeds of truth in our grandchildren’s hearts.
The wonderful thing about wisdom is that it’s both spoken and shown. The way we love, interact with, and invest in our grandchildren’s lives shows wisdom without needing to “preach” to them. This happens naturally through:
-Everyday tasks where instruction is needed
-Difficult circumstances where guidance is given
-Unpleasant consequences when lessons are shared
-Memorable stories passed down as examples
Pray for open doors of opportunity in sharing nuggets of wisdom as God leads. Find ways to connect with your grandchildren, teaching, encouraging, and living by example. When they ask questions, slow down long enough to answer thoughtfully. And be sure to ask them thought-provoking questions that prompt them to think about God’s ways.
Wisdom is the most important thing, as Proverbs 4:7 says, “Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom. And in all your getting, get understanding.” (NKJV)
Let planting wisdom be your primary focus as you spend time with your grandkids. This will be a lasting legacy you can trust God to cultivate.
Photo credit: ©GettyImages/Halfpoint
5. Seeds of Purpose
5. Seeds of Purpose
“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” (Ephesians 2:10)
Children need a sense of purpose, a reason to share their gifts and talents with the world. Without an established identity in Christ, many kids become doubtful or confused. This can lead to a sense of unworthiness or despondency.
Grandparents play an important role in helping shape their grandchildren’s futures. By planting seeds of purpose, we nurture their God-given talents and give them something to look forward to. In a practical sense, we might:
- Contribute to their education
- Pay for extra-curricular activities such as dance, art, or sports
- Fund a short-term mission trip where they can see firsthand how other parts of the world live
Work with your grandchildren’s parents to establish their identity in Christ. Remind them of how precious they are, and encourage them to use their talents to serve others. Children who have achievable goals and are supported in completing them will grow up with a greater sense of purpose and passion. As Psalm 138:8 says, “The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me; your steadfast love, O Lord, endures forever. Do not forsake the work of your hands.” (ESV)
With spring approaching, decide which seeds you’d like to plant in your grandchildren’s hearts. Pray for opportunities to sow and trust God to grow their faith according to His will. You can count on Him to cultivate what you are obedient to establish.
More Resources for Grandparents:
4 Lessons Grandparents Can Teach the Next Generation
5 Ways Grandparents Can Cultivate a Healthy Family Environment
How to Biblically Celebrate New Life in the Spring
Originally published February 16, 2026.
