God's Glory Church

“I bring to my memory your unfeigned faith, which first settled in your grandmother Loida and your mother Eunice.” — 2 Timothy 1:5

A study conducted among believers in the United States in 2019 showed that the spiritual development of many respondents was greatly influenced by their mothers and grandmothers. About two-thirds of those from Christian families said that their mother played a major role in shaping their faith, and one-third pointed to a grandmother or grandfather (usually a grandmother).

The author of the report noted: “Again and again, our research shows the invaluable influence of mothers on… the spiritual development of children.” We find confirmation of this in the Bible.

In his letter to Timothy, the Apostle Paul noted that the young minister’s faith was shaped by the example he saw in his grandmother Lois and mother Eunice (2 Tim. 1:5). This poignant reminiscence shows the profound influence two women had on one of the leaders of the early church. This opinion can also be seen in another passage, where Paul calls on Timothy: “Try in this what you have been taught… you have known the Holy Scriptures from childhood” (2 Tim. 3:14-15).

A strong spiritual heritage is a precious gift. Even if we did not have such a blessing in our lives as Timothy, there were probably still people who made an important contribution to our spiritual formation. And it is even more important if we ourselves show others our honest faith and leave a good legacy.

Who had a significant influence on your spiritual formation? How can you encourage others in their faith?

Heavenly Father, thank you for those people in my life who have become an example of sincere faith for me.

Author: Lisa Samra