Being a godparent is an honorable and very responsible mission. But before taking responsibility before God for a child, a person needs to objectively assess himself and decide whether he can become a good godfather.
When is it better to refuse to be a godfather
There is an opinion that it is impossible to refuse the offer to be a godparent - supposedly it is a sin. However, godparents are primarily responsible for the morality of the godson, therefore they must take responsibility for the spiritual upbringing of the child.
Godparents must be Orthodox believers with high moral qualities. Giving gifts to a child is not the only and not the main function of godparents. Spending time with the godson, godparents should talk with him on topics of kindness, love, moral values. They should introduce the child to church: attend church with him, take him to communion, teach prayers, talk about God. According to church officials, godparents should have faith and repentance and are called to pass them on, to teach them to their godson.
When considering an offer to become a godfather, ask yourself a question - will you pray for this child as for your own?
If you realize that you do not meet these requirements, or do not feel the strength to help the parents in the religious education of the child, do not put an unbearable burden on your shoulders. Being a bad godfather is worse than refusing to be one.
How to refuse an offer to be a godfather
If you fully realize that you are not ready for the responsibility that lies with the godparents, and do not feel the desire to take care of the godson, but are afraid with your refusal to spoil the friendly relations with the baby's parents, prepare to talk with them.
It can be assumed that when friends have a baby, they will offer you to become a godfather, because a good friend is, as a rule, a potential godfather. Knowing this in advance, do not immediately respond to their offer. Let the parents of the baby understand that you are very pleased that they want to entrust the spiritual education of their child to you. Explain that you take the ordinance of baptism seriously and know what a good godfather should be like. Ask them for time to think. By doing this, you will prepare your friends for the fact that your answer may not only be positive. Along the way, explain to them what functions godparents should perform. Young parents may not know about them. Hint that you do not fully possess some of the qualities necessary for the religious upbringing of a child.
Refusing to become a godfather, honestly tell your parents that you will not be able to pay enough attention to their child, you are not ready to teach him morality, but at the same time you love their baby and will communicate with him without even becoming a godfather.
Parents want all the best for their child and, no doubt, they will understand your refusal, and this will not affect your friendship in any way.
