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Why can't I live right?

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From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham

Q: I have tried very hard to live right but it is useless. Every time I have checked all the boxes on the good list, it seems I fall deeper into despair. I wish I had it in me to live the right way but I guess I’m hopeless! – W.H.

A: The devil wants us to think we’re hopeless – without Christ in our lives. This is where Satan wants us. We can’t hide behind scoffing, mocking, false humility, and laughter that the world applauds. Jesus said to such people, “You are those who justify yourselves before men, but God knows your hearts. For what is highly esteemed among men is an abomination in the sight of God” (Luke 16:15, NKJV).

Behind the world’s curtain is Satan, pushing people into his vile and wicked world, using them as his mouthpiece to taunt the name of the One who still is saying to a lost world, “Come.” Flee the lures of Satan and the judgment of a Christ-less eternity and come into the care of Christ’s everlasting forgiveness, abundant grace, and merciful love.

How can we know He cares for us? Because He says, “Come.” How do we know He loves us? Because “while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8, NKJV). Paul proclaimed, “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me” (Galatians 2:20, NKJV).

 

Nothing could possibly demonstrate God’s love for us more than the provision He has made through forgiving sin. Hope in the Lord is not a wish but an absolute assurance that people can be snatched from the fire of destruction and be saved into new life – changed by the mercy of Jesus Christ and declared righteous before His throne of grace. “We were saved in this hope … we eagerly wait for it with perseverance” (Romans 8:24–25, NKJV).

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

©2024 Billy Graham Literary Trust. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.


(c)2025 BILLY GRAHAM DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES, INC.

 

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