First of all, welcome to the family! When you gave your life to Jesus Christ, God not only forgave your sins and gave you the gift of eternal life, but He also adopted you into His family. You are now His child forever — along with every other person who’s trusted Christ as their Lord and Saviour.

Now, God wants you to grow stronger in your relationship with Him. Let me illustrate it this way. Some day, you probably will get married (hopefully to someone who shares your faith). Saying “I do” at the altar will be the beginning of your married life — but it will only be a beginning. Every day after that, you and your spouse will grow in your relationship to each other — spending time with each other, listening to each other, expressing your hopes and concerns to each other.

In a far deeper way, your decision for Christ marked the beginning of a whole new life — a relationship with God. Take time every day to grow in that relationship — spending time with Him, listening to Him in the pages of the Bible, expressing your concerns to Him in prayer. Let the Psalmist’s prayer become yours: “Teach me your way, O Lord, and I will walk in your truth” (Psalm 86:11).

In addition, pray for your family. Ask God to make you a witness to them of Christ’s love and goodness — both by what you say and by the way you live. They need Christ, and God wants to use you to call them to Himself. God bless you.