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From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham

 

Dear Rev. Graham: “God is love.” Really? I don’t feel that God loves me at all. My life is so messed up. Some of it’s my fault and the rest of the mess is because other people have taken advantage of me; and if God really is in control, He must think it’s OK. At least this is where my mind is right now. Am I wrong, and if so, how do I straighten it all out? – L.F.

 

Dear L.F.: Do you want to know if God loves you? Here is the proof: Jesus Christ left Heaven’s glory and came down to this sin-infested earth to die for you. The Apostle Paul put it this way: “Scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:7–8, NKJV).

God’s love is not just a vague feeling or sentimental emotion hidden in His heart. God’s love is real – and we know it because He demonstrated it to us. He put His love into action!

Temptation to doubt God’s love for mankind comes from Satan. Doubt no longer, and place your faith in the Lord Jesus Christ who cares for you and says, “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28, NKJV). Love isn’t just a feeling; love must be expressed in action.

When desperation overtakes us, we decide whether to turn away from God or turn toward Him. Which road will we take? One road leads to doubt, bitterness, and despair. The other leads to hope, comfort, peace, strength, and joy – which gives us a purpose to go on. “God is love. In this the love of God was manifested toward us … that we might live through Him” (1 John 4:8–9).

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(This column is based on the words and writings of the late Rev. Billy Graham.)