DEAR REV. GRAHAM: The most difficult person I know claims to be a Christian, although she's always negative and critical of everyone and not at all pleasant to be around. If that's what Christians are like, then I don't want to be one.
-- V.B.
DEAR V.B.: If this is the way Christians were supposed to be, then I doubt if anyone would want to become one. Jesus rebuked the joyless religious hypocrites of His day who caused their converts to become "twice as much a child of hell as you are" (Matthew 23:15).
But listen: This isn't the way Christians are supposed to be. Only God knows this person's heart, of course; she might be even more difficult if she weren't a Christian (if in fact she is). But don't be misled by the failures of a few. Instead, look at Jesus Christ -- and when you do, you'll realize something entirely different: God loves you, and He wants to fill you with His love. Your life will never be the same once you realize this truth.
How do I know God loves us? I know it because Jesus Christ came into the world to deal with our greatest problem -- which is ourselves. You may see yourself as a good person -- certainly better than this woman. But if you're honest, you know you fall short -- short of your own standards, but most of all, short of God's standard.
God could have just left us alone -- but He didn't. Instead, He came into the world in the person of Jesus Christ to erase our sins through His death on the cross. And when we open our hearts and lives to Him, He comes to live within us and change us. May this happen to you. Jesus said, "I am making everything new." (Revelation 21:5).
Write to Billy Graham in care of Billy Graham Evangenlistic Association, 1 Billy Graham Parkway, Charlotte, N.C., 28201 or visit the website at
billygraham.org
MovieStyle on 11/10/2017