On Christianity

DEAR REV. GRAHAM: I'm always getting into trouble because I say things without thinking and end up offending people. Can I do anything about this, or am I always going to be this way?

-- S.D.

DEAR S.D.: No, you won't always be this way if you seek God's help and allow Him to take control of your mind and your tongue. The Bible says, "Whoever would love life and see good days must keep their tongue from evil and their lips from deceitful speech" (1 Peter 3:10).

One key is to ask yourself why you constantly blurt out things that don't need to be said, and are not only hurtful but wrong. Only you can answer this, of course, but is it because you feel a need to call attention to yourself? Is it because you're trying to build yourself up in the eyes of others by showing how much you know, or by putting others down? Is it because you enjoy gossip, even if it's not true? Whatever your reasons, face them, and then confess them to God and ask His forgiveness.

Then commit your mind and your tongue to Christ, asking Him to control both what you think and say. Remember, what you say is only a reflection of what you're thinking. Ask God to give you compassion for others and a desire to help them by what you say. The Bible says, "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs" (Ephesians 4:29).

In addition, when you do fail, ask for God's forgiveness, as well as that of anyone you may have offended. This will not only help heal any hurt you've caused, but remind you to be more careful next time.

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

Weekend on 05/21/2015

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