Inter-generational relationships with grandparents and the elderly enrich our lives. They share wisdom, life experiences, and values, fostering empathy and understanding. Their guidance and love shape our character, while their stories and traditions connect us to our heritage, promoting a sense of belonging and identity. Respectful relationships benefit both. BETTY AMUKPO chats with some teens on their relationships with their grandparents and the elderly. Their responses:
‘I see them as sources of wisdom and experience’
My relationship with my grandparents and the elderly is one of love, respect, and appreciation. I see them as sources of wisdom and experience, and I enjoy listening to their stories about life, faith, and family. They help me understand where I come from and guide me to make better decisions. I assist them in small ways – like running errands or helping them around the house because I believe it’s important to honour them. The Bible teaches us to respect and care for the elderly. In Leviticus 19:32 (NIV), it states: “Stand up in the presence of the aged, show respect for the elderly and revere your God. I am the Lord.” This verse reminds me that respecting the elderly is not just about good manners; it is part of obeying God. By honouring my grandparents and all elderly people, I am living out my faith in a practical and loving way.
• Ojimmadu Sandra
‘My connectivity with my grandparents and the elderly is based on love and respect’
My connectivity with my grandparents and the elderly is one based on respect and love which are the foundation of mutual coexisting, humility and happy living. The biblical saying in the Book of Ephesians 4:2: “With all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love,” has been helpful in maintaining a healthy relationship with my grandparents and the elderly.
• Eyinade Gideon
‘I aim to care for them with patience and gratitude’
I have deep respect and love for my grandparents and the elderly, honouring them as the Scripture teaches. The Bible says, “Honour your father and your mother” (Exodus 20:12) and “Stand up in the presence of the aged, show respect for the elderly and revere your God.” (Leviticus 19:32). I value their wisdom, seek their counsel, and cherish their stories and experiences. Proverbs 16:31 reminds us, “Gray hair is a crown of splendour; it is attained in the way of righteousness.” Their lives are a testimony of God’s faithfulness, and I aim to care for them with patience and gratitude, following the example of Christ’s love and humility.
• Asia Yoochi Laura
‘I hold my grandparents and the elderly in high esteem’
I hold my grandparents and the elderly in high esteem and love. I value their wisdom, life experiences, and guidance. I believe in: – Honouring their age, wisdom, and contributions. – Seeking their stories, advice and insights. – Engaging in meaningful conversations and activities. – Offering support and companionship, especially in times of need, as Jesus taught us to “honour your father and your mother” (Mark 7:10). Honouring their age, wisdom, and contributions. I believe this relationship is mutually beneficial, fostering inter-generational connections, wisdom sharing, and personal growth. My grandma loves to pray for everybody that comes across her and I love her.
• Awaki Barnabas
‘My grandparents are like my biological parents’
My grandparents are the parents of my father and mother. I live with them; I am very fond of them. My grandparents are disciplinarians. They nursed me from when I was a baby to this stage. They are my first teachers. They trained us physically, morally and, spiritually. I am proud of them; they have formed my life positively. They are like my biological parents. They taught me to live in peace with people and love them, do little house chores and most of all, how to pray and remain in constant relationship with God. I thank God for such a perfect gift of my grandparents. May God bless and keep them for me. Amen. My grandparents are the best gifts from God to me. They trained me physically and spiritually. I am proud of them. They pamper us but never spare the rod. I thank God for such beautiful and good grandparents who dedicated their life to God. May God bless and keep my grandparents and the elderly, may they be filled with the Holy spirit and the love of God. May they live long to prosper and see the fruit of their labour in Jesus’ name. Amen Enjoy your day grannies!
• Anyasor Raphael Chibuike
‘Honouring grandparents is crucial’
Honouring grandparents and the elderly is crucial. The Bible instructs us to “Rise in the presence of the aged, show respect for the elderly and revere your God” (Leviticus 19:32). This teaches us to value their wisdom, experience, and life lessons, showing respect and care for them. (1 Timothy 5:1- 2, Exodus 20:12).
• Agbo Josephine
‘I’m extremely close to my grandparents because they always tell us stories’
The relationship between the young and the elderly, particularly grandparents is often portrayed in the Bible as a source of wisdom, blessing and spiritual guidance. I am extremely close to my grandmother because she always tells us stories and we learn a lot from her stories. Isaiah 46:4 states, “Even to your old age I am He, even when you turn gray, I will carry you. I have made and I will bear, I will carry and will save.” As a child, we should stand up in the presence of the aged, show respect for the elderly and revere God, I am the Lord. Please note: Honour your father and mother and grandparents and elders so that your day will be long.
• Francis Umennadi
‘I love spending time with my grandparents’
I love spending time with my grandparents and the elderly, talking with them, putting smile on their faces and also listening to their faith-filled stories and wisdom. They teach me about God, life, kindness and faith. “Honour your father and mother” (Exodus 20:12). Do not cast me off in old age” (Psalm71:9). “The glory of the young is their strength, gray hair is the splendour of the old” (Proverbs 20:29).”Listen to advice” (Proverbs 19:20).
• Ogoke Chimamanda Anthonia
