MY ANSWER

We have two children, and one is very easy to get along with, while the other is much more difficult. How can we keep from playing favorites?
Billy Graham writes, "Begin by realizing that God gave both of your children to you, and God loves both of them equally."

MY ANSWER

My husband and I broke up our first marriages in order to get married, and although that was years ago I still feel guilty.
Billy Graham writes, "Every decision we make has consequences, and if we do something wrong, we have to live with the results. But God still loves you."

MY ANSWER

My relatives are all supposed to get together on Christmas, and I dread it. Should I just call at the last minute and say we're sick?
Billy Graham writes, "What you should do instead is ask God to help you be a peacemaker when you get together with relatives this Christmas."

MY ANSWER

How do you account for the fact that religious people sometimes have the most rebellious kids?
Billy Graham writes, "Faith isn't something we inherit from our parents; we each must make our own decision for Christ."

MY ANSWER

Would it be wrong to tell the nursing home not to take "extraordinary measures" to keep my elderly mother alive in a major medical crisis?
Billy Graham writes, "If you know this would have been your mother's wish, and if your family agrees, then I believe it would not be wrong for you to instruct them to avoid extreme measures."

MY ANSWER

Our mother died about a year ago. My brother and I don't want our father to remarry. How can we get him to respect our feelings?
Billy Graham writes, "I know this is a difficult time for you and your brother; no doubt you still feel the loss of your mother very keenly. But if you truly love your father, you want what is best for him."

MY ANSWER

My brother never believed in Christ. Now he's dying of cancer and says maybe he was wrong. How do I know if he's sincere?
Billy Graham writes, "God never gives up loving us, and He always stands ready to forgive us—even at the last moments of life."

MY ANSWER

I'm at college in a situation with some difficult roommates. I'd change schools, but how can I be sure the next situation won't be just as bad?
Billy Graham writes, "The answer, very simply, is 'You can't be sure.' ... But don't misunderstand me; I'm not saying it has to be this way."

MY ANSWER

My wife and I have been going through some hard times, but our families won't help us.
Billy Graham writes, "Even if they aren't able to help, they should at least show concern—especially if they claim to be Christians."

MY ANSWER

My grandmother gave me a Bible but I haven't opened it. How can I tell her without offending her?
Billy Graham writes, "Even if you read only a paragraph or two each day, God can use it to point you to the greatest person you will ever meet: Jesus Christ."

MY ANSWER

My mother and I have had kind of a rocky relationship over the years. I know I ought to apologize to her but somehow I can't.
Billy Graham writes, "Don't let pride, or fear or anything else keep you from doing what is right. Instead, pray for your mother, and ask God to help you reach out to her."

MY ANSWER

I can't ever forgive my father for physical and emotional abuse and leaving my mother.
Billy Graham writes, "Your father's sin has produced a tragic harvest of anger and bitterness in your soul, and they're like a poison that will only make you miserable if you don't get rid of them."

MY ANSWER

Is it ever right to be angry at someone?
Billy Graham writes, "We must never take evil lightly, and anger against injustice and wrongdoing has its place. But when we are angry at someone, we have to stop and ask ourselves why."

MY ANSWER

Will God continue to answer my prayers for my family, even after I die?
Billy Graham writes, "Yes, I firmly believe God continues to answer the prayers of His people even after He has taken them to heaven."

MY ANSWER

Do you think people who've died and gone to heaven can look down and see what's going on in our lives?
Billy Graham writes, "The Bible doesn't answer all our questions about heaven—although some Bible students believe that those who've already entered heaven can see what happens on earth."

MY ANSWER

My cousin and I are both Christians, but we always argue over religion. How can I avoid it?
Billy Graham writes, "First, before you and your cousin get together the next time, take time to pray about your visit, and ask God to help you both avoid a contentious spirit."

MY ANSWER

My father has been rude and verbally abusive all his life. I believe in honoring our parents, but I've had enough.
Billy Graham writes, "Pray for your father, that he will realize his spiritual poverty and open his heart and life to Jesus Christ. Pray also ... that you will show Christ's love to him."

MY ANSWER

How do you know when to give someone a second chance, and when to let them suffer the consequences of what they've done?
Billy Graham writes, "As a general rule, I urge parents to 'go the second mile' with wayward children—in other words, keeping some relationship with them if possible."

MY ANSWER

My parents are always getting after me to change some of the things I do. Why can't they just accept me the way I am?
Billy Graham writes, "I hope you won't reject everything they say, but will listen to their counsel and discuss it calmly."

MY ANSWER

Do you have any solution for mother-in-law problems?
Billy Graham writes, "Don't let your resentment or anger build up—and don't take it out on your wife. Instead, decide together how you can best handle this."