Millions of people have been home more than ever before. Maybe that’s brought out the best in your family—or maybe not.
Whether you’re a family in conflict or trying to soak up the extra time around loved ones, be encouraged by this Biblical wisdom from Billy Graham—who covered various family topics in his My Answer column over the years.
For the Family in Conflict
“In my experience, no family is perfect, and I suspect most families have at least some conflict and tension from time to time. After Adam and Eve sinned in the Garden of Eden, the first problem they faced was conflict in their family—first between themselves, and then between their two sons (see Genesis 3:12; 4:8).”
Q: I guess you’d say we have a very dysfunctional family, because we can’t seem to get along with each other. I’m the only active Christian in the family, and I wish we could be at peace. Why are some families like this?
>> Read Billy Graham’s answer.
Q: Why can’t families get along? My five siblings and I got together for dinner recently, and all we did was argue. I’m afraid we hardly ever have contact. This concerns me, but I guess it’s just been easier to go our separate ways.
>> Read Billy Graham’s answer.
Q: My family never got along very well, and over the years we just drifted apart and don’t have anything to do with each other. Now that I’m older I’d like to do something about this, but I’m not sure they even care. Should I try, or just leave it alone?
>> Read Billy Graham’s answer.
Q: My family has been torn apart by drugs, divorce and other things, and I worry all the time about what’s going to happen to them. I feel so helpless, and no matter what I try to do it doesn’t seem to make any difference. Pray that I’ll know what to do. I just don’t have any hope.
>> Read Billy Graham’s answer.
Q: Our five children are grown and live all over the country, but when we suggested we get together for a family reunion they said they weren’t interested. I’m really sorry that we never were a close family, but is it too late to change this?
>> Read Billy Graham’s answer.
For Parents
“We have exchanged love of family and home for busyness; living in constant motion that robs the soul from memories and togetherness. Amazing things can happen when a family bands together in good times and hard times.”
Q: I own a large corporation and work hard to conduct business in an honorable way. But one of the hardest jobs I’ve ever tried to do is be a good parent. How can my home be as successful as my company?
>> Read Billy Graham’s answer.
Q: I admit we never paid much attention to the television programs and films our children watched, but I’m beginning to wonder if we made a mistake. I guess we thought they’d learn how they ought to live by watching us, but now I’m not so sure. Have we missed something?
>> Read Billy Graham’s answer.
Q: My children are fast becoming adults and I fear that as they begin to make important decisions, they will make wrong ones. Is it wrong to advise children when they begin to make life-changing decisions?
>> Read Billy Graham’s answer.
For Teenagers
“Amazing things can happen when the family bands together and stands strong together.”
Q: I am constantly arguing with my parents even though I do love them. I just want to be left alone to make my own decisions. Why do my parents say they know what I am thinking?
>> Read Billy Graham’s answer.
Q: I don’t believe parents can really love their children when they heap on them rules and regulations that steal the fun away from life. Isn’t life to be enjoyed?
>> Read Billy Graham’s answer.
For the Nation
“When difficulties come, we don’t have to be dependent on the circumstances around us, but on the hidden resource within us—and that is God Himself.”
Q: I fear for the attack on our homes, our families and our children—the future of our country. What can we do to combat the assaults?
>> Read Billy Graham’s answer.
Q: Our nation was once known by strong families. Why are so many homes shattered by disappointment, grief and pain?
>> Read Billy Graham’s answer.
Q: Family prayer is a thing of the past. Does it really matter?
>> Read Billy Graham’s answer.
