MY ANSWER

My brother died last year, and I feel that God took him in order to punish me for not being kinder to him.
Billy Graham writes, "God doesn't deal with us like this, and it would be wrong for you to conclude that your brother died because God somehow wanted to punish you."

MY ANSWER

We are brokenhearted because our son's wife won't let us spend time with our grandchildren.
Billy Graham writes, "Humanly speaking, it certainly may seem like a hopeless situation, because either your daughter-in-law or your son (or both) are going to have to change—and right now that seems impossible."

MY ANSWER

We never get to have our own Christmas as a family, because our relatives insist we spend the entire time with them.
Billy Graham writes, "Every year about this time, I get several letters just like yours ... Pause right now—before the Christmas rush overwhelms us—and resolve to make this Christmas different."

MY ANSWER

Our granddaughter turned her life over to God, but now she says she doesn't even believe in God. How do you explain such a big flip-flop?
Billy Graham writes, "Only God knows your granddaughter's heart, and whether her commitment to Christ was real or simply a passing emotion. But either way, continue to pray for her ..."

MY ANSWER

How can I tell my non-religious extended family that I've found Jesus without sounding like I think I'm better than they are?
Billy Graham writes, "Pray for your family every day, and ask God to open up opportunities to share with them one-on-one how you came to know Christ."

MY ANSWER

My mother is constantly making comments about the fact that I'm not married yet. How can I tell her to back off?
Billy Graham writes, "A gentle reminder from you that you hope to get married someday, but don't want to make a mistake, should help her realize that she doesn't need to keep bringing this up."

MY ANSWER

My sister makes fun of us for grieving the death of our pet dog, and it's causing anger and conflict between us. What can I say to her?
Billy Graham writes, "I can understand your sadness; I grew up on a farm surrounded by animals, and we have always had pets around our house ... Don't let your sister's failure to understand your sadness cause a disruption between you."

MY ANSWER

Our son will be home for the Christmas holidays, and he has let it be known that he doesn't believe in God like he used to.
Billy Graham writes, "I'm thankful for your concern for your son's spiritual life, because the most important legacy we can ever pass on to our children is our love for God."

MY ANSWER

How do you know when to stop covering up for someone who's doing wrong, and instead make them face up to the consequences?
Billy Graham writes, "I urge you not to cover up for him any longer. Not only is it morally wrong for you to lie for him, but you're actually hurting your brother by covering up for him."

MY ANSWER

I wish I could go back and make things right with my mother, but I can't because she died.
Billy Graham writes, "Life isn't always the way we wish it were, but if others can learn from our failures and mistakes, something good will come from them."

MY ANSWER

Would it be wrong for me to suggest that my son and his family of four move out of my house?
Billy Graham writes, "I don't know their full situation, of course ... But from what you say, it not only wouldn't be wrong for you to suggest they move—it would be right."

MY ANSWER

My extended family is like a soap opera—affairs, divorces, rehab, kids in court, etc. How can I help them?
Billy Graham writes, "You can look at your family in one of two ways: either as a problem you can't solve—or as an opportunity to help some find the right path in life."

MY ANSWER

Our 16-year-old son absolutely refuses to go to our church with us. He and some friends have started going to another church that has a youth-oriented service they like, but I hate to think our family will no longer be sitting together in church. Should we insist he come with us?
I don't know your whole situation, of course - but I suspect your son would resist (and resent) any effort on your part to make him turn his back on his friends and be with you in your church.

MY ANSWER

It seems like every time our family gets together for a reunion we end up arguing about politics - sometimes pretty viciously. We'll be having a family picnic on the Fourth of July, and already I'm dreading it. How can we get out of this rut?
One way to avoid this, of course, would be to agree among yourselves that you simply weren't going to talk about politics. You may even be able to suggest this in advance to one or two people who can influence others.

MY ANSWER

My wife is totally disabled because of a massive stroke, and probably won't ever get better. Now some of my friends are telling me I'm crazy not to find a mistress. How can I explain to them that God wants me to be faithful to her as long as she lives, without sounding like I'm strange?

MY ANSWER

I really want to serve Jesus, but I don't know how I can. I'm a single mother with three children, and I just don't have any extra time. My church offers things like volunteer opportunities and mission trips, but I can't even dream of them. Does God understand why I can't serve Him?

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

My grandparents are very religious, and every time we visit them they get me in a corner and talk to me about Jesus. Why can't they lay off and let me live my own life? They can't force me to believe in God.
If your grandparents didn't care about you and your soul they wouldn't bother telling you about Jesus - but they do care, and they know that a life lived for Christ is far more satisfying than a life lived without Him.

MY ANSWER

The day after Mother died, one of my brothers went into her house and took her silver and fine china, leaving the rest of us with almost nothing. Later, he claimed Mother had said she wanted him to have them, although he had no proof. This was five years ago, and we've hardly spoken since. Why are people so greedy?
What your brother did was thoughtless and insensitive - and also wrong.

MY ANSWER

I never knew my grandfather, but from what I hear he had no use for God, and lived a very immoral and selfish life. Someone told me that a person's bad behavior could bring a curse from God on his descendants, so they can't be saved. This terrifies me. Is it true?
No, it's not true, and you shouldn't let this erroneous thought take root in your mind.