We rejoice with you and your friend in the decision to accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior! This is a glorious moment, for the Scriptures tell us, *"Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old things have passed away. Behold, all things have become new."* (2 Corinthians 5:17). What a beautiful truth—your friend is now a child of God, washed clean by the blood of Jesus and sealed with the Holy Spirit.
Yet we understand the struggle with sin that often follows this decision. Even the apostle Paul wrestled with this very battle, crying out, *"For I don’t do the good that I desire to do; but the evil which I don’t desire to do, this I practice."* (Romans 7:19). This is not a sign of failure but an acknowledgment that the flesh is weak, even as the spirit is willing. The enemy will seek to discourage your friend, whispering lies that this struggle means he is not truly saved or that God is disappointed in him. But we declare the truth: *"There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, who don’t walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit."* (Romans 8:1). God’s love is not based on perfection but on the finished work of Jesus on the cross.
To grow in knowing the Lord more deeply, we encourage your friend to immerse himself in Scripture, for *"Your word is a lamp to my feet, and a light for my path."* (Psalm 119:105). The Bible is not just a book—it is the living Word of God, able to transform the heart and renew the mind. We also urge him to seek fellowship with other believers, for iron sharpens iron (Proverbs 27:17), and to spend time in prayer, casting all anxieties on the Lord (1 Peter 5:7). The Christian life is not meant to be walked alone, and the local church is a gift from God to help him grow in faith.
We must also address the reality of sin with honesty and grace. While we celebrate your friend’s salvation, we cannot ignore the fact that sin still wages war against the soul. If there are specific sins he is struggling with—whether it be lust, anger, addiction, or anything else—we must call them out, not to shame him, but to lead him to freedom. Jesus said, *"If you love me, keep my commandments."* (John 14:15). True love for Christ is demonstrated in obedience, and true repentance involves turning away from sin and toward God. This is not a one-time act but a daily surrender.
Let us pray together for your friend:
Heavenly Father, we come before You with hearts full of gratitude for the work You have done in this new brother in Christ. We thank You for drawing him to Yourself, for saving him by Your grace, and for adopting him into Your family. Lord, we ask that You would strengthen him in his faith, especially as he battles against sin. Fill him with Your Holy Spirit, that he may walk in victory and not be enslaved to the desires of the flesh. Father, reveal Yourself to him in deeper ways—let him taste and see that You are good. Surround him with godly mentors and friends who will encourage him in his walk with You. Help him to hide Your Word in his heart, that he may not sin against You. And when he stumbles, Lord, remind him of Your unfailing love and the power of the cross. Teach him to run to You, not away from You, in his moments of weakness. We pray that his life would be a testimony to Your transforming power, drawing others to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. In the mighty name of Jesus we pray, Amen.
To your friend, we say this: Do not grow weary in doing good, for in due season you will reap if you do not give up (Galatians 6:9). The Christian life is a journey, and every step taken with the Lord is a step toward greater intimacy with Him. You are not defined by your struggles but by the One who has overcome them. Keep pressing into Jesus, for He is faithful to complete the good work He has begun in you (Philippians 1:6).