From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham

This is a season of gift-giving and peace-making, but on a broad scale, it indeed has a short cycle. Our society is shot through with slander, libel and unfounded accusations (often referred to as fake news). The strike among families, neighbors, co-workers, churchgoers and nations is unbearable.

This is because of the human condition called sin. The Bible says, “Now the works of the flesh are evident” (Galatians 5). This passage has a lengthy list. Why is this? Mankind has built a society without God. The result is that decency has disappeared and bedlam reigns. We must not stand back and let those who peddle evil take over our communities and twist the minds and corrupt the bodies of our young people, our families and our institutions.

As a new year dawns, we must consider before God what we can do to be peacemakers without compromising God’s truth. To be a peacemaker, though, you must know the peace-Giver. Scripture teaches that peace and safety will not come in any lasting way until the Prince of Peace, the Messiah, Jesus Christ, comes and rules and reigns in our world. You do not have to wait until that great day. You can call on Him and receive His salvation today and experience personal peace with God from day to day.

Hearts that are quieted by His peace come to know its benefits upon the body and mind and will lead to the development and preservation of physical and mental power. Jesus said, “In Me you may have peace” (John 16:33).

(This column is based on the words and writings of the late Rev. Billy Graham.)

Find everlasting peace with God. Pray now.