The Faith of a Mom and a Grandmother

“I recall your sincere faith that first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and now, I am convinced, is in you also” (2 Timothy 1:5).

In his encouraging letter to Timothy, Paul reminds Timothy that he comes from a lineage of faith on his mom’s side of the family. In contrast, we’re told that Timothy’s father did not share in the faith (Acts 16:1). The Bible is not shy about the amazing influence of faithful women.

“Faith is the reality of what is hoped for, the proof of what is not seen” (Hebrews 11:1).

Paul wants Timothy to remember the faith of his mother and grandmother and how it lived in them. This word “lived” is found in other passages referring to the Holy Spirit dwelling or living through others (2 Cor. 6:16, Rom. 8:11, Col. 3:16). Paul is reminding Timothy that he grew up under the Holy Spirit’s influence through his mother and grandmother. To illustrate, this looks a lot like sacrificing, loving, caring, giving grace, forgiveness, treating the poor well, and loving their enemies. Paul said their living faith was “sincere,” meaning it was without hypocrisy – in other words, they actually believed and lived as if God ruled the world, and Heaven was on earth.

If you grew up with an amazing, faith-filled mom, don’t take that for granted. Thank her and tell her you love her -- and thank God for her “living faith.” If that amazing, faith-filled mom is no longer with you, take some time this weekend to thank God for the time you did have her – and count yourself blessed!  

If your mother was a negative influence, then certainly pray for her – but also pray for yourself -- that you will forgive as you have been forgiven -- and then ask God to help you let go of those negative experiences. God calls us to pray for everyone -- even negative influencers. Then pray that God’s Holy Spirit will do His convicting and transforming work both in the one who needs to be forgiven (your mom) and in the one who needs to forgive (you).

If your mother is not a believer, then pray for her, love her, and set an example of what the Holy Spirit can do in a believer’s heart – demonstrating the fruit of the Spirit in your own life (Galatians 5:22-23).

Because of the Holy Spirit’s influence in the lives of Timothy’s mother and grandmother (2 Timothy 1:5), there are churches all over the world! If you are a mom, pray that you will be a faithful influence in the lives of your children and grandchildren.

By Lee Sharp