Answers

Read thoughtful responses to a wide assortment of questions from Billy Graham’s My Answer column and other resources.

Learn to better use your gift for leadership.

I've been an officer in our church for several years, but I've decided to resign. Recently, I realized that my only reason for being an officer was so people would admire me, and I know that's not right. But how should I explain this?

Knowing God loves you would transform your life.

I know you often say that God loves us, but I'm not really feeling it. My girlfriend says I just need to take it on faith, but why should I? After all, maybe it's not true. Besides that, I'm not sure it makes any difference.

Seek to encourage others, rather than tear them down.

I know I shouldn't get upset when people criticize me, but I just can't help it. Even when I know they're wrong, it still upsets me and sends me into an emotional tailspin. How can I learn to handle criticism?

God can give you a new desire to do what's right.

I'm in the county jail for the third time this year, once again for something minor. Each time, I've said I'm going to do better, but then I get sucked into doing something wrong and end up back here. Why am I such a weak person? I'm about to give up on myself.

Why is my faith so unstable?

Why is my faith so unstable? Sometimes it's very strong, but sometimes it's so weak I'm not even sure it's still there. Is this common?

Lasting happiness only comes from living according to God's will

I know you say we're all sinners and we all fail to live up to God's moral standards, but maybe He doesn't even care what we do. Maybe God just wants us to be happy and have a good time. Could I be right? I hope so.

You've probably been asked this many times, but who is responsible for all the bad things that happen in the world? Are we responsible for them, or is it the devil?

You've probably been asked this many times, but who is responsible for all the bad things that happen in the world? Are we responsible for them, or is it the devil?

You can put your faith in Christ's hands now – and forever.

I don't fear death because I believe that after I die I'll come back to earth again and be born as another person. Why are Christians so opposed to this idea? Other religions don't have a problem with it.

Finally taking God seriously would transform your life.

I just turned 80, and I've gotten along just fine all these years without God. You'll probably tell me I ought to be worrying about death and hell and all of that, but I don't believe in life after death. Why should I? People who try to convert me make me tired.

With God's help, you can forgive those who've hurt you.

I know Jesus said we're supposed to forgive people who've hurt us, but why bother? As far as I can tell, it doesn't really change them, nor does it make the hurts go away.

Let Thanksgiving remind you of your blessings, not your burdens

I'm dreading Thanksgiving this year. It's been a hard year for me, and when all our family gets together I'll just feel like a hypocrite pretending I'm thankful for anything. I'm even wondering if I ought to go. What would you say to someone like me?

Seek God's guidance as you strive for greater independence.

On the outside, everyone thinks I'm good -- I'm active in our church's youth group, have no bad habits, etc. But sometimes I can't wait to get away from home and leave all this behind. I know it's probably wrong, but can you understand how I feel?