LOOKING FOR ANSWER

Is it possible for a Christian to live without sinning?
Nowhere does the Bible say that a Christian in this life will ever be completely perfect or will never sin. ... However, there are three important truths we need to repeat over and over to ourselves.

MY ANSWER

I know we're supposed to forgive people who've hurt us, but I'd rather get even.
Billy Graham writes, "If you do this, you'll be driven by anger and a desire to hurt others—and this should be a danger signal to your soul."

MY ANSWER

How can I reconnect with my mother, who I haven't spoken with in six years?
Billy Graham writes, "I've noticed that broken relationships like this often go on and on simply because both parties are too proud, or too stubborn, to take the first step."

MY ANSWER

All my life, my mother favored my brother over me. How should I deal with this?
Billy Graham writes, "When something hurtful happens to us, we have a choice. We can either be filled with bitterness, or we can turn our bitterness over to God."

MY ANSWER

I knew being divorced and becoming a single mom would be hard, but what I didn't expect was the desire to strike back.
Billy Graham writes, "Pray for your former husband that he will repent and come to Christ. And pray daily for God's strength and wisdom as you raise your children."

MY ANSWER

My husband had been having an affair with someone he met at work. He claims it's over, but I don't think I can forgive him. Is our marriage finished?
Billy Graham writes, "Yes, your trust has been shattered. But if you both are willing to start again (as your husband seems to be), you can come through this with an even stronger love."

MY ANSWER

Why is it that God will forgive you when you've done something wrong, but other people won't?
Billy Graham writes, "Don't be surprised if people fail to forgive you. God is perfect—but we aren't, and neither are other people. The problem is within our hearts."

MY ANSWER

How can I keep from getting upset whenever someone criticizes me, or says something that is hurtful, or ignores me?
Billy Graham writes, "Almost everyone feels this way from time to time—but this isn't the way we should react. When we do react this way, we end up only hurting ourselves."

MY ANSWER

Where in the Bible is the verse that says it is human to make mistakes but it's divine to forgive them? What does it mean?
Billy Graham writes, "It means simply that when we make mistakes or do wrong we are acting like human beings—but when we forgive others, then we are acting like God, who is always willing to forgive us."

MY ANSWER

What can you do if someone refuses to forgive you?
Billy Graham writes, "There really isn't much more you can do—except to forgive him for his attitude and continue to pray for him."

MY ANSWER

How many times does God expect us to forgive someone who hurts us?
Billy Graham writes, "Once we have experienced God's forgiveness and grace in our own lives, we should treat others the same way. No, they may not deserve it—but neither did we when God forgave us."

MY ANSWER

My son—who was born out of wedlock—doesn't want anything to do with me. Is God judging me for what I did wrong?
Billy Graham writes, "Bad decisions always have bad consequences. ... But does this mean God is now punishing you for what you did by somehow turning your son against you? No, I cannot say that."

MY ANSWER

Is it possible to forgive someone, when you can't really forget all the hurt they've caused you?
Billy Graham writes, "I know it probably sounds impossible to you—but with God's help it can happen."

MY ANSWER

I can't ever forgive my father for physical and emotional abuse and leaving my mother.
Billy Graham writes, "Your father's sin has produced a tragic harvest of anger and bitterness in your soul, and they're like a poison that will only make you miserable if you don't get rid of them."

MY ANSWER

Is it ever right to be angry at someone?
Billy Graham writes, "We must never take evil lightly, and anger against injustice and wrongdoing has its place. But when we are angry at someone, we have to stop and ask ourselves why."

MY ANSWER

My business partner, who stole a lot of money from our company, says I should drop the charges because Christians should forgive.
Billy Graham writes, "Forgiving someone doesn't necessarily mean we approve of what they did or act as if it didn't happen."

MY ANSWER

How do you know when to give someone a second chance, and when to let them suffer the consequences of what they've done?
Billy Graham writes, "As a general rule, I urge parents to 'go the second mile' with wayward children—in other words, keeping some relationship with them if possible."

MY ANSWER

Our son turned his back on us years ago because we didn't approve of the way he was living, and now he wants to come home for Thanksgiving.
Billy Graham writes, "Let me ask you a question: Did the prodigal son's father know whether or not his son had changed his way of living when he welcomed him home?"

MY ANSWER

The man who deeply damaged our family is saying we shouldn't press charges since we're Christians. Is this right?
Billy Graham writes, "It's difficult to forgive someone who has deeply hurt us—but if we don't, the hurt will simply continue and no healing will take place. ... But forgiveness doesn't mean we pretend the deed never took place."

MY ANSWER

I've been very hurt because of something my brother-in-law did to us, and there's no way I could ever forgive him.
Billy Graham writes, "Have you ever stopped to think about the damage you've done to yourself because of your failure to forgive? When someone hurts us, all kinds of emotions try to take control of us."