Writing a Spiritual Love Letter: Passing Your Values to the Next Generation

One of the most meaningful gifts you can leave your family when you go to be with the Lord is a spiritual love letter.

Separate from your legal will, a spiritual love letter is an informal document designed to pass along your Christian values, life lessons, and blessings from one generation to the next.

Since this is not a legal document, there is no right or wrong way to go about it. The content, length, and form are completely up to you; it should reflect your personality and style.

Most people include these three basic elements:

1. Beliefs and values. What are your core beliefs about God? How have your faith and convictions guided the way you’ve lived your life?
2. Life lessons. What are the most important things you’ve learned from your mentors? What truths have you gleaned from life’s victories, challenges, and disappointments?
3. Messages of hope. Which Scriptures have brought you encouragement? What are your greatest hopes and prayers for your loved ones? What blessing do you want to offer them?

Once you’ve completed your spiritual love letter, make sure to save it along with your will in a safe location where your personal representative can find it. In doing so, you will leave your family a tangible gift of love, hope, and encouragement they can carry with them in the years to come.

Need additional help writing your spiritual love letter? Request your free copy of “Writing a Spiritual Love Letter” by emailing fellowship@fcfi.org