A Gentle Blog for My Little Granddaughter (and Anyone Who Wonders)
Dear Jojo
The other day you talked to Nonni (Grandma) and said, “Nonni, why don’t my friends believe in Jesus when I tell them about Him?” You looked so puzzled and a little sad. I love you sweetheart because that question is one of the most honest and loving questions a heart can ask.
I want you to know it’s okay to wonder. Jesus loves questions. And He loves your friends—even the ones who don’t believe in Him right now. So let’s talk about it like we’re sitting on the back picnic table with ice-cream, just you and me.
1. They grew up hearing different stories
Just like you learned about Jesus from Mommy, Daddy at bedtime and Children’s Church, some of your friends grew up hearing different stories. Maybe their family believes in another way to know God, or maybe no one ever talked about God at all. It’s like learning Spanish or French—your friends simply learned different words for big things like love, heaven, and right and wrong. That doesn’t make them bad; it just means they haven’t heard Jesus’ story the same way you have.
2. They haven’t really met Him yet
Imagine if someone told you about a wonderful friend named “Emma” but you’d never seen her picture, heard her laugh, or played with her. You might say, “I don’t know if I believe in Emma.” Your friends might feel the same about Jesus. They’ve heard the name, but they haven’t felt His kindness through a hug, seen His peace when someone is scared, or heard how He forgives when we mess up. You get to be one of the first people who shows them what Jesus is really like—not just with words, but with how you share your toys, say sorry first, and smile when things are hard.
3. Sometimes life feels too hard or confusing
Bad things happen—someone gets sick, a pet dies, or kids are mean at school. When that happens, some people wonder, “If Jesus is real and loves us, why doesn’t He stop the sad stuff?” That’s a really good question, and even grown-ups wrestle with it. Jesus never promised no tears; He promised to cry with us and one day wipe every tear away. But until they know that promise feels true in their own hearts, it can be hard for them to believe.
4. They’re scared of what might change
Following Jesus means letting Him be the boss of our hearts. That’s wonderful because He’s the kindest King ever! But for some people it feels scary at first—like giving up their favorite toy or admitting they were wrong about something. They might think, “What if my friends laugh at me?” or “What if I have to stop doing things I like?” So they keep the door to their heart closed for a little while. Jesus never kicks doors open; He stands outside and knocks gently (Revelation 3:20). He waits until they’re ready.
5. Some just haven’t thought about it much
Life gets busy—soccer practice, video games, homework, birthdays. Jesus can get crowded out, just like we sometimes forget to water the flowers. It doesn’t mean they’re against Him; it means no one has helped them stop and really think about the most important Friend in the whole universe.
Here’s the most important thing I want you to remember, sweetie:
We don’t love people so they will believe in Jesus. We love them because Jesus already loves them.
The Bible says, “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16). Your job isn’t to make your friends believe. That’s God’s job. Your job is to keep shining—be kind, tell the truth, forgive quickly, and talk about Jesus like He’s your very best friend (because He is!).
You can say simple things like:
“Hey, when I was scared last night I prayed and Jesus made me feel better. Want me to pray with you sometime?”
Or just invite them to church or VBS so they can meet Him too.
And when they still say “I don’t believe,” you can smile and say, “That’s okay. I still love you, and Jesus still loves you. I’ll keep praying for you every night.” That’s powerful love.
One day, when they’re ready—maybe after a hard day, or when they see how peaceful you are, or when they hear a song about Jesus—they might whisper, “Tell me more about this Jesus you keep talking about.” And you’ll be ready, because you’ve been praying and loving them all along.
Until then, keep being the sweet, brave, Jesus-loving girl you are. The world needs more little lights like you.
I’m so proud of you for caring enough to ask why. That caring heart is one of the ways Jesus is already shining through you.
Love you bigger than the sky,
Nonno (Grandpa)
P.S. Let’s pray together right now for every friend who doesn’t believe yet:
“Jesus, thank You for loving [friend’s name] even more than we do. Please help them see how wonderful You are. And help me be a good friend who shows them Your love. Amen.”
You can add your friends’ names every night. God hears every single one. ❤️
