LITTLE ROCK — DEAR REV. GRAHAM: I know God is supposed to forgive us if we ask Him, but, to be honest, it sounds too good to be true. Howcan I expect God to forgive me when I can’t forgive people who hurt me?
- Z.K.
DEAR Z.K.: If God were just like we are, then you’d be right; there wouldn’t be much reason tobelieve He’d ever forgive us. After all, if someone offends us, it’s hard for us to turn around and forgive them. And the same would be true of God, if He were just like us.
But God is far greater than we are, including His ability to forgive. We are imperfect, but God is perfect. We are selfish and unloving, but God is completely kind and loving. If He didn’t love us, we’d never have any hope of being forgiven. But He does love us, and because He loves us we can turn to Him for the forgiveness we need. The Bible says, “For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him” (Psalm 103:11).
We know God loves us because He sent His only Son into the world to give His life for our sins. You and I have sinned, but on the cross every sin we ever committed was transferred to Him, and He took the judgment we deserve.
Don’t turn your back on God’s forgiveness and love. Instead, by faith give your life to Jesus Christ and ask Him to cleanse you of your sins and make you part of His family. God loves you so much that He wants you to spend eternity with Him in Heaven. Open your heart and life to Him today.
Write to Billy Graham in care of Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, 1 Billy Graham Parkway, Charlotte, N.C. 28201 or visit the website at billygraham.org
MovieStyle, Pages 36 on 08/31/2012