Passing Christian Truth to the Next Generation
One of the most meaningful gifts you can leave your family is a written testimony of God’s faithfulness.
Separate from your legal will, a spiritual love letter allows you to share the Christian convictions, lessons, prayers, and encouragements that have shaped your life. It cannot give saving faith to the next generation—the Holy Spirit alone works faith through the Word—but it can direct those you love to the promises of God in Jesus Christ (Romans 10:17; John 3:5–8).
Because it is not a legal document, there is no required format. It may be handwritten or typed, brief or detailed. Consider including these three elements:
1. Your Christian Convictions
What do you believe concerning God, salvation, Scripture, and the church? How has the gospel of Jesus Christ shaped your life (Romans 1:16–17)?
2. Lessons from God’s Providence
How has the Lord guided, corrected, sustained, and comforted you? What have you learned through blessings, trials, failures, and answered prayers (Romans 8:28; Psalm 37:23–24)?
3. Your Prayers for Your Family
Which passages have strengthened you? What do you desire for your children and grandchildren? Encourage them to seek Christ, remain faithful to His Word, and commit themselves to a faithful church (Deuteronomy 6:6–7; 3 John 4).
Save your letter with your important papers and tell your personal representative where it can be found. It may become a lasting testimony of God’s covenant mercy from generation to generation (Psalm 103:17–18).
For a complimentary copy of “Writing a Spiritual Love Letter,” Email giving@rcus.org.
