Question:
How do I address the question of the Trinity to a very smart 9-year-old grandson? He lives in a different state but does text messaging and FaceTime. He reads his 365-Day Bible and has very many deep questions.
Response:
First, let me commend you for realizing that it will be important for your grandson to understand the concept of the Trinity. However, while you describe him as a “very smart 9-year-old”, I encourage you to keep your explanations very simple. In other words, don’t overload him with information.
You might want to start by using an egg as an example of a God that is “three in one” much like an egg has a shell, a white part, and a yolk but all are part of the whole egg and equally important.
Around Easter, with the emphasis on eggs, it might be fun to talk about this idea while decorating Easter eggs. Kids often listen better when they are involved in a fun activity.
Another idea would be to take a walk and talk about God’s creations in the natural world all around you. Many can be used as symbolic examples of the Trinity. For example, you may look up and mention the sky that covers all (symbolic of the omnipresence of God) with a sun that provides light and warmth (symbolic of Jesus being “the light”) and wind that is produced by the heating of the Earth by the sun (symbolic of Jesus leaving the Holy Spirit behind to provide guidance for us.)
Also, Natasha Crain is an author who has written a number of books and one that I would recommend for you would be “Talking With Your Kids About God: 30 Conversations Every Christian Parent Must Have.” You will probably find the answers to many of your grandson’s questions in this book.
Above all, take the time to SHOW your grandson how God helps you every day, and tell him how you interact with God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit in your life.
