LOOKING FOR ANSWER

Is it a violation of the sanctity of human life to execute a murderer?
The sacredness of human life is at the very heart of the difficult question of capital punishment.

MY ANSWER

What's wrong with speeding a little bit, as long as it isn't hurting anyone?
Billy Graham writes, "I suspect hundreds—even thousands—of people who are reading this wish they could sit down and tell you exactly how dangerous speeding really is."

MY ANSWER

I've messed up my life so badly that I can't even imagine God has any future for me.
Billy Graham writes, "You may have turned your back on God, but listen: He has not turned His back on you."

MY ANSWER

I'll be getting out of jail in a few months, and I'm debating what to do next.
Billy Graham writes, "God knows what is best for you, and He wants you to be able to leave the past behind and start a new life—with His help."

MY ANSWER

I've ruined my life, and now I'm in prison. If you could give me one piece of advice, what would it be?
Billy Graham writes, "Instead of giving you advice, I'd rather give you something far more important: a truth you can depend on, one that will give you hope for the future."

MY ANSWER

My husband has just been sentenced to prison for several years. I still love him, and he says he still loves me. What would you advise me to do?
Billy Graham writes, "I strongly urge you not only to maintain your marriage, but also to make it grow even stronger during this difficult time. With God's help, it can happen."

MY ANSWER

I think anyone in prison who claims they've gotten religion is faking it. They're just trying to impress the parole board.
Billy Graham writes, "Yes, perhaps some are faking their commitment to Christ; even one of Jesus' closest disciples (Judas) turned out to be a fake. ... But does that mean no one has ever believed in Jesus and had their life turned around?"

MY ANSWER

Recently, a mother in our town killed her 3-year-old daughter. How could anyone do something like this?
Billy Graham writes, "Our minds and hearts are a complex mixture of good and evil—and all too often evil dominates."

MY ANSWER

I prayed I wouldn't have to go to jail—but here I am, in for two and a half years. I'm bitter, but you can see why, can't you?
Billy Graham writes, "Bitterness is like a poison that will destroy you if you aren't careful. Most of all, bitterness will cut you off from God."

MY ANSWER

Can God forgive serial killers?
Billy Graham writes, "The amazing thing is that God can forgive anyone who truly repents and puts their faith and trust in Christ for their salvation—even a murderer!"

MY ANSWER

I'm in jail because some friends talked me into doing drugs. How can I keep from going along with the crowd?
Billy Graham writes, "Are these really the kind of friends you want to have, if they are willing to put you at risk?"

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

I got hooked on methadone, and I can't believe how it took over. Now I'm in jail because I started selling it.
Billy Graham writes, "My heart goes out to you—and my prayers also, because I know you've been traveling down a very rocky road. I pray that with God's help you will find another road—His road."

MY ANSWER

I'm in jail for stealing money, and my wife is filing for divorce. Is there anything I can do?
Billy Graham writes, "I wish I could promise that your wife's attitude will change—but I can't. What I can do is urge you to do everything possible to save your marriage—and the first step is to commit your life and your future to God."

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 took a wrong turn and now I'm in prison. I feel like I've betrayed Jesus (like Judas did) and I'm afraid God will never forgive me.
Billy Graham writes, "God can forgive you. And He wants to forgive you, because He loves you. You may have turned your back on Christ but He hasn't turned His back on you."

MY ANSWER

Why is evil so strong? I don't understand why God allows it.
Billy Graham writes, "We live in a fallen world, a world where evil often seems to be in control. But that isn't the whole story! By faith we know that God still loves us, and His power is greater than all evil."

MY ANSWER

My nephew is in prison for life, and it's really been a blow to my brother and his wife. I'd like to encourage them but I don't know what to say.
Billy Graham writes, "No matter what happens to us, God still cares about us, and He is still able to give us hope—and that's the most important message you can give to your brother and his wife."

MY ANSWER

My brother is in prison for robbery, but he claims he's become a Christian. Have you ever heard of anyone like this actually changing?
Billy Graham writes, "Yes, I have; in fact, almost every day I get at least one letter from someone who has been dramatically changed because they've given their life to Christ."

MY ANSWER

Last year, I was put on probation for financial fraud. I'm so embarrassed because everyone knows. Should I move and start over?
Billy Graham writes, "Seek the forgiveness of those you hurt. This won't be easy, and not everyone may forgive you—but they still need to know you're sorry for what you did, and you've learned from your wrongdoing."