Answers
By Billy Graham • January 31, 2018 • Topics: Forgiveness, Suicide
Q:
I'm about to be released from prison, but my family doesn't want anything to do with me. Our chaplain says God cares for me even if no one else does, but how does he know? I'm not even sure I want to keep on living.
A:
The most important thing I can tell you is that no matter what your past has been or what others may think, God has not rejected you. Yes, He knows all about you—but your chaplain is right: He loves you, and once you understand this, your life will never be the same.
How do I know this? I know it because Jesus Christ left Heaven’s glory and came down to earth to give His life for us—and He did this so we could become part of His family and be with Him in Heaven forever. Would Christ have endured the agony of the cross if God hated you or thought you were worthless? Would He have died for you if God didn’t care what happens to you? No, of course not.
In other words, don’t look at yourself or your failures; don’t look at your family and their reactions. Instead, look at Jesus Christ, and realize how deeply God loves you. Then by a simple prayer of faith ask Christ to come into your life—and He will. God’s Word is true: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16).
Then ask God to guide you in the future. He knows what is best for you, and He can be trusted to be with you and guide you. Our way is never dark when we walk in the light of God’s presence!
