I'm writing a letter to an unsaved friend to try and share my faith, but I don't want to insult them. How should I start off the letter and what do I say?
2007-01-28 06:29:49 · 21 answers · asked by Mel 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I'm sending this letter to my mom because i'm concerned about her salvation. I would appreciate it if people would be considerate of my beliefs. If you don't have something to say about helping me in this situation, then please don't.
2007-01-28 06:52:50 · update #1
There is no way that you could pursue this endeavor without coming off as being pushy and arrogant. Why would you write a letter? It seems very impersonal. Also why do you assume that your 'sharing' is even welcome? Nothing really seems right about any of this.
2007-01-28 06:36:22 · answer #1 · answered by bc_munkee 5 · 6⤊ 1⤋
Please... if you must do this intrusive bit of propaganda, to someone who considers you a "friend", then at least confine yourself to speaking about yourself. Tell her that YOU are happy with your beliefs. The second you spill that into what SHE might achieve, you are crossing a very important line. The assumption that Christians can push their ideas onto whomever, from the patronizing and arrogantly certain view that others are not "saved", is why people get so tired of Christian busybodies. Good for you for finding something that makes you happy. Show the respect your friend deserves and don't assume that she hasn't as well.
2007-01-28 06:40:44 · answer #2 · answered by Bad Liberal 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I would try to avoid discussions about morality, right and wrong and such. I would include specific examples of changes that have taken place in your life since you met Jesus. I would assume that they don't understand the need for Jesus, so you should explain that we are all separated from God by sin and that in order to get to him, we needed someone who hadn't sinned.
I would start if off by explaining why you are writing the letter... its easier to write your thoughts than to talk about them, you really deeply care about them and want them to know about how incredible it is to follow Jesus, etc.
Just be honest and avoid being fake. Make sure you don't use churchy words like "sanctification" and stuff. Hope it turns out well and that your friend will come to know the truth through the light you show!
2007-01-28 06:40:47 · answer #3 · answered by Kevan D 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Writing the letter in the first place is an insult to some people. If he or she doesn't want to be saved, leave him or her alone. It's annoying to be harassed by people that want to "save" you and "convert" you. It's a nice gesture on your part. Really, it is. If you do it though, don't be pushing your religion. Just share your views and leave it at that.
2007-01-28 06:37:27 · answer #4 · answered by Bob 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
First of all, do NOT, by any means, use the word "unsaved". That's insulting in itself! Do they have any beliefs otherwise? Like do they believe in any higher power/afterlife whatsoever? Details, my friend! Details! We're not going to know what you want unless you're specific!
For all you know they have a set of beliefs all their own, and you're just hurting their feelings by trying to "share your faith". Jus the fact you used the word "unsaved" says it all, to me.
2007-01-28 06:35:53 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 5⤊ 1⤋
Death is inevitable. The thief on the cross knew when his would occur, but we can not predict our own. After his death, the crucified criminal went to live in paradise with Jesus. Some of us will also live eternally in God's presence. But others will experience everlasting torment, forever separated from Him.
If we receive Jesus as our Savior, our penalty for sin is paid. We are adopted into God's family, and Heaven is our eternal home. If we reject Jesus, we remain alienated from the Lord and under condemnation for our sin. We are destined to experience eternal judgment. God won't accept any of man's excuses because there is no acceptable defense for unbelief. (Acts 4:12)
Become part of God's family today. Acknowledge your sinfulness, and express your faith in these words:
"God, I have sinned against You. (Romans 3:23) I've followed my own way and refused to give You the right to rule in my life. (Romans 3:10-12) I recognize I am separated from You and cannot rescue myself. I do believe that Jesus Christ is Your Son. I accept the truth of the Scriptures? that His death on the cross paid my sin-debt in full. (1 Corinthians 15:3-4) And I ask You to forgive me of my sins. (1 John 1:9) By faith, I receive You, Lord Jesus, as my personal Savior from this moment on."
If you just spoke those words to God, then, like the thief on the cross, you have received salvation? a gift of God's grace. The heavenly Father welcomes every person who comes to Him through His Son, regardless of background, age, or current situation. Through Jesus, the right to enter paradise is yours!
2007-01-28 08:02:35 · answer #6 · answered by Freedom 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I think the first thing you need to do is tell her you are writing this letter because you love her, and that you are worried about her. Make sure she knows that it's out of concern, based on your beliefs. Say what you need to say without being judgemental, or trying to frighten her with tales of hell. Tell her that when she's done reading to please think about what you've said, and if she wants to talk, you're there.
Don't try to force it. Present your ideas, and then let her make the choice. If your argument is sound, it will stand on its own without telling her she's misled or evil or bound for hell, or anything like that.
No, I'm not Christian, but I understand your motivation.
2007-01-28 06:56:53 · answer #7 · answered by milomax 6 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Trying to convert others is NOT making you Christians popular. We'd all be much more impressed if you stopped, and lived your life in tolerance of other's differences. If you try to convert them, you'll just reinforce bad feelings for Christianity.
You want us to have respect for your beliefs? You obviously don't have respect for your mother's beliefs.
2007-01-28 06:47:22 · answer #8 · answered by M L 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you're writing a letter specifically to market your faith to them, stop - and throw it away now. The last thing they want is more junk mail.
Write them a letter saying "hi" instead.
2007-01-28 06:36:35 · answer #9 · answered by Lunarsight 5 · 5⤊ 1⤋
dear friend,
I can't tell you how happy I am that you are in my life, it pleases me more and more everyday that we are good friends. I want yo to know that i love you and if you ever need anything, just call me and I am there for you. I want to wish you a very good day and I hope that you and your family are well.
note: actions always speak louder then words, and kindness is the loudest language ever
2007-01-28 06:38:39 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 0⤋