Writing a Spiritual Love Letter

Christian Medical & Dental Associations®

June 15, 2023
Writing Spiritual Gift

Passing Your Values to the Next Generation

 

A spiritual love letter may be one of the most meaningful gifts you can leave to your family and friends.

 

Sometimes referred to as an “ethical will,” a spiritual love letter is an informal document separate from your legal will, designed to pass along your Christian values, life lessons and blessings from one generation to the next.

 

Since this is not a legal document, the content, length and form are completely up to you. There is no right or wrong way to go about it; the letter 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?

 

  1. 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?

 

  1. Messages of hope. Which Scriptures have brought you personal 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 knows where to 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 Paul Montgomery at Stewardship@cmda.org or call 423-844-1000.

Christian Medical & Dental Associations®

About Christian Medical & Dental Associations®

The Christian Medical & Dental Associations® (CMDA) is made up of the Christian Medical Association (CMA) and the Christian Dental Association (CDA). CMDA provides resources, networking opportunities, education and a public voice for Christian healthcare professionals and students. Founded in 1931, CMDA provides programs and services supporting its mission to "change hearts in healthcare" with a current membership of over 13,000 healthcare professionals. CMDA promotes positions and addresses policies on healthcare issues; conducts overseas medical education and evangelism projects; coordinates a network of Christian healthcare professionals for fellowship and professional growth; sponsors student ministries in medical dental, PA, and other healthcare training schools; distributes educational and inspirational resources; hosts marriage and family conferences; provides developing world missionary healthcare professionals with continuing education resources; and conducts academic exchange programs overseas. By being the "hands of Jesus" to needy people, CMDA seeks to fulfill His Great Commandment (Matthew 22:39; 25:36) and His Great Commission (Matthew 28:19). The Christian Medical & Dental Associations® is a 501(c)3 and is governed by a Board of Trustees and House of Delegates. Policies of CMDA are interpreted and applied by the Board of Trustees, which also establishes the guidelines for the executive director and his staff. An elected House of Delegates assists the board with recommendations on courses of action. The House of Delegates is composed of graduate, student, resident and missionary members who are elected for three-year terms by district and meets annually at the CMDA National Convention. Approximately 75 employees currently make up the staff of CMDA in the national office and U.S. field offices.