MY ANSWER

I can't forgive myself for something terrible I did, how can I ever expect God to forgive me?
Billy Graham writes, "Let me ask you this: If you could know beyond a shadow of a doubt that God had completely forgiven you, what reason would you have to keep feeling guilty? The answer is simple: none."

MY ANSWER

I lost control of my car, and a friend died in the accident. Maybe God can forgive me, but I'll never be able to forgive myself.
Billy Graham writes, "You may never forget what happened on that rainy road 20 years ago—but God does not want you to go through life burdened with constant guilt and self-condemnation over it."

MY ANSWER

I'd like to start all over with God, but I'm afraid He must be out of patience with me. Please tell me if I'm wrong.
Billy Graham writes, "You are wrong. God has never stopped loving you, and He has never stopped hoping that you will turn back to Him."

MY ANSWER

How can a person be a Christian and a sinner at the same time? When we come to Christ, doesn't He cleanse us of all our sins?
Billy Graham writes, "Yes, God does forgive us and cleanse us of all our sins when we trust Christ and commit our lives to Him. Some of the most reassuring words in all the Bible are these: "The blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin" (1 John 1:7)."

MY ANSWER

I did something when I was a young woman, and it has haunted me for years and I know I need God's forgiveness. Is it too late?
Billy Graham writes, "No, it is never too late to seek God's forgiveness, because He wants to forgive us and make us part of His family—both now and forever."

MY ANSWER

My uncle lived a terrible life, but on his deathbed he claimed he received Christ and was forgiven. Why should he go to heaven?
Billy Graham writes, "It's natural to wonder if it's fair for God to save someone at the last minute when others have served Him all their lives; people asked Jesus the same question. But remember: None of us deserves salvation ..."

MY ANSWER

I have confessed every sin to God that I can think of, but what about the ones I can't remember?
Billy Graham writes, "Jesus didn't die just for the sins you can remember; He died for all of them! Think of it: He was perfect and without sin—but every sin you ever committed was placed on Him, and He died in your place."

MY ANSWER

I haven't got long to live. I know I need God, but is it too late?
Billy Graham writes, "No, it's not too late to turn to God, and one reason God is giving you these extra days is so you'll do exactly that."

MY ANSWER

I only have six months to live. Why shouldn't I live it up? God will forgive me, won't He?
Billy Graham writes, "We can only be forgiven if we are truly sorry for our sins and repent of them. But from what you say, you have no hesitancy to plunge into a life of sin—and that's the opposite of repentance."

MY ANSWER

I've lived a very sinful life, but a friend of mine says God will forgive me if I'll just believe in Jesus. What difference would that make? And how would I know if I was really forgiven?

MY ANSWER

I'm afraid my mother and I always had a rocky relationship, but after she died I realized there were a lot of things I wish I'd said -- like telling her I loved her, or asking her to forgive me for hurts I caused her. I feel very bad about this, but maybe someone will learn from my mistake.

MY ANSWER

I've really made a mess of my life. I thought I could get by with ignoring things like right and wrong, and now I'm suffering the consequences. But here is my question: Why should I bother asking God for forgiveness? It won't change anything.

MY ANSWER

I hate to admit this, but many years ago I hurt a friend's job prospects because I told a lie about him. I feel very guilty and wish I could apologize, but he's dead now and it's too late. Please tell people not to delay making things right if they need to, even if it's hard.

MY ANSWER

I'm in prison for some things I'd rather not talk about, and last week I got to know a murderer here who said God had forgiven him for what he'd done. How does he know? After all, killing someone must be a very big sin in God's eyes.

MY ANSWER

I don't see how God can blame us for our sins. After all, we all grew up in homes that weren't perfect, and God shouldn't blame us if we have the same bad habits our parents did.
You're right - up to a point; we're all shaped to some extent by our families and other childhood experiences.

MY ANSWER

When we forgive someone for something they've done to us, is that supposed to erase all the problems between us? I've truly forgiven a friend for the deep hurt she caused me, but I can't pretend it never happened or resume our friendship the way it once was. Am I wrong to feel this way?
We need to forgive those who have hurt us; if we don't, our anger or hurt will become like a festering wound in our minds and souls.

MY ANSWER

My uncle never had anything to do with God, but on his deathbed his wife's pastor supposedly led him to Christ. Do you think God actually forgave him and allowed him into heaven, although he'd lived like the devil?
Only God knows whether or not your uncle truly repented of his sins and trusted Christ for His salvation before he died - but if he did, God fully forgave him, and you can be confident that he is now in heaven forever.

MY ANSWER

I guess I'm like lots of people my age. When I was young, I really believed in Jesus, but then I hit my teens and all that went out the window. But now that I'm older I know I need God. Will He take me back, or is He fed up with me?
Listen: God still loves you, and Christ died for you. God's promise of forgiveness is for all who know they need Him: "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9).

MY ANSWER

I know God is supposed to forgive us, but I did some really bad things when I was younger that constantly haunt me, and I know God will never forgive me. I don't even know why I'm writing you, but maybe you can at least help me stop hating myself so much for what I did.
The Bible says, "I have loved you with an everlasting love" (Jeremiah 31:3). This is true for you, and it is true for every person on this planet.

DECISION MAGAZINE

Three Steps to Forgiveness
God calls Christians to take the first steps toward forgiveness and restoration.