Lesson 4, Week 6: Grandparents Show Unconditional Love

*Before you begin, ask God to reveal His truths to you as you study His Word.

Scripture Focus: “You have heard that it was said, ‘YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR and hate your enemy.’  But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 

so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? If you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same?  Therefore you are to be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”’ Matthew 5:43-48 NIV

It is easy to love the lovable, but what about those who aren’t lovable? How are you doing with this Scripture? Have you ever been tested in this situation? Probably, things are in the news every day. Our comments tell our grandchildren how we really feel.

Think on These Things

One beautiful day in the autumn of the year, October 2, 2006, to be exact, students were attending the West Nickel Mine’s Amish School. The school was twelve miles southeast of Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Suddenly, a lone gunman broke in and shot ten of the girls, ages 6-13, before turning the gun on himself and committing suicide. Five of the girls died and five lived. The shooter was Carl Roberts IV, and in his sick mind, he was making the girls pay for the loss of his daughter.

That story alone was a shocker, but the big shock came when the Amish turned to Robert’s mother with compassion and forgivenness. One of the girl’s grandfather forgave Roberts. Many visited the Roberts family and expressed compassion for them.

Ten years later, a relationship has been forged between the Roberts and the Amish Community.

God made something beautiful out of what the devil deemed for evil. Mr. Roberts thought they would have to move after the incident, but love conquered all. When Terri Roberts, Carl’s mother, had breast cancer, the Amish were there to help her through it. Amazing love is what we witness in this story. And this is the love God calls us to practice.

What I Have Learned

Upon examining the Scriptures and hear this story . . .

·        It is possible to love like that—the Amish demonstrated such love.

·        Forgiveness is necessary for healing

·        More is expected of us than the people of the world

·        God loved us with an unconditional love when He sent His only Son to die for us while we were yet sinners. John 3:16

I Will Apply What I Have Learned

·        I will practice forgiveness in my words and in my actions.

·        I will not express hate and I will ask God to cleanse me of it.

·        I will model unconditional love for my grandchildren.

·        I will not hold grudges.

Maybe there is a situation in your family right now where someone has been cruel to those you love. Maybe they have been cruel to you. Will you take the first step and ask God to place forgiveness in your heart for them? Then every time you feel hate build up, will you ask God to remove it from your heart?  It’s a big step, I know, but you do want God to make something beautiful out of your life. This doesn’t mean you have to become buddy-buddy with them, it just means you forgive them for what they have done to you. Then you can walk away free from that baggage. Also, remember forgiveness, loving unconditionally is a process. It won’t happen in one step. You may have to do this over and over.

Meanwhile, whether it be anger over politics, situations in the news, or church, guard your heart and guard your comments, especially in front of the grandchildren. Ask God to avenge the situation. He will deal with that person. It's not your place. Forgive.

Precious Father, Help us as grandparents demonstrate this amazing love—forgiveness that is godly. Help us to guard our hearts and minds. Cause us to let you do the avenging while we choose to forgive and march on. Work with us heavenly Father and  to make something beautiful out of our lives. Amen.