Goodbye Religion, Hello Relationship

A Dear John – Love Letter to a Religious System

It’s been a long while since I broke up with you. Actually, I guess the feeling was mutual. I was staying true to my conviction, and I guess you were too. Even today it still hurts. And all because I felt a greater pull on my heart for a more satisfying relationship.

Looking closely back at what I had with you, our relationship was more out of obligation and loyalty to family tradition than true love. Yet, you certainly had a hand in pointing me to where I am today. As I tried to dig deeper, seeking answers to the many questions I had about your beliefs, your answers somehow fell short. It was clear to me our relationship just wasn’t going to work out.

So, although the hurtful sting of our break-up still comes now and then, I can now process it much differently. This might be hard for you to understand, but I have been transformed by a great power - something you were unable to do.

I have found deep satisfaction and have had many of my questions answered. As I study the Word, my new love speaks to me.

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” - John 1:1

His love is so real and so deep, so wide and so high that nothing can contain it, stop it or snuff it out. Even every breath I’m given comes from the living one I love.

He will never fail me, forsake me, or leave me. He even gave up his life for me, taking everything wrong I’ve ever done or will do upon himself.

“God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” - 2 Corinthians 5:21

In fact, my new love offers eternal salvation to all who are willing to follow him - something that could never be promised by you.

This is why I’m writing to you today. Life is short on earth and can be so hard. But it can go so much better when you’ve got my faithful love alongside you. He helps carry your burdens, protects, fights your battles, and gives you a peace beyond what you can understand.

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” - Matthew 11:28-29

Over and over he proves himself to be faithful and consistent to his trustworthy promises with his unchanging character.

I want this kind of love for you too, my friend. While what we once had is over, we both have everything to gain.

With the deepest love for you because He first loved us. (1 John 4:19)

- A Friend Restored