KR,

I saw your question and almost immediately thought of a pat, standard answer, but I couldn't do that.  The only thing I can do is speak from my own experience.  My family was active in a Christian church, the denomination doesn't matter as I believe that being a part of a denomination will not get you to heaven, but might get you to Hell.  I grew up in church, and I saw all kinds of people that claimed to be Christian but were mean-spirited, hateful and hurtful.  I also saw many that truly showed the love that God has for us.  When I was a teen, I decided that I wanted to see what it was all about.  I left the church and studied many different religions.  Know what I came to understand?  NO religion is going to get you the peace and inner contentment that you desire.  None of them are going to get you in touch with God.  I also found out that there was a way, and that was through Salvation.  Becoming one with Jesus Christ is not a religion, it is a life-changing experience.  Salvation through the blood of Him is the only way to eternal happiness.  Can I prove this?  Only if you could see inside me.  There is no proof and I won't argue with anyone about it.  I only know that since I started my relationship with Jesus, I have had a peace that truly is beyond understanding, a love for others, even the ones that hate or take advantage of me.  Only God can do that.  All you need to do is ask, in all sincerity, that Christ forgive you of your sins and dwell in you.  That is the beginning of a life-long adventure with the Creator of the Universe.  God loves you and so do I, even though I don't know you.