Billy Graham: Christians Should Ignore Mockery of Non-Believers
Christians should not allow themselves to become discouraged by the words of those who have not found Jesus, the Rev. Billy Graham says, advising believers to ignore the mockery that comes from secular society.
Responding to a question posted to the Kansas City Star by a woman who asked what she should do when her husband mocks her faith, Graham writes: "such behavior should be off-limits in any marriage, regardless of the reason."
Graham adds that the woman should not be discouraged by negative language, saying that ultimately, people who criticize religion have an argument with God and no one else.
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"When we put our faith in Christ, he adopts us into his family, and nothing will ever change his love for us, even the mockery of those who think we're foolish for believing in Christ," the evangelical leader says.
The 97-year-old preacher then uses the example of Jesus' experience here on Earth, saying that while naysayers attempted to tear Him down, they never succeeded.
"Remember too that people often did their best to embarrass Jesus and tear him down, but they didn't succeed, nor should they with you," Graham explains, referencing Luke 20:20 when Jesus' enemies sent spies to have Him arrested.
Ultimately, Christians should pray for those who are critical of religion, that they may some day find God.
"Pray for your husband, that he will face his pride and realize his need for Christ. Pray too that God will help you to be the best wife you can possibly be, and that Christ's love and peace will shine through your life," the religious leader says, adding that "often our strongest witness for Christ comes not from what we say, but by the life we live."
Graham also spoke about negative words on the "My Answers" portion of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association's website this week, answering the question "why is my aunt so critical of others?"
The religious leader acknowledges that while he isn't a "psychologist," he has "noticed that people like this are often very insecure, and are constantly seeking to build themselves up. One way they do this is by tearing other people down. But in reality they end up tearing themselves down also, because no one wants to be their friend."
Graham adds that a judgmental attitude can hurt one's relationship with others, as well as their relationship with themselves and God.
"[B]eing judgmental and constantly criticizing others is also wrong in the eyes of God. Setting ourselves above others is an act of pride — and pride is a sin. A judgmental attitude also blinds us to our own faults," Graham says.
Graham concludes his message by saying that critical, judgmental people should pray to God that they may see their faults, and fellow Christians should pray for an opportunity to address such faults as well.
"Pray for your aunt, that she will realize what she's doing and begin to change — with God's help. Ask God also to give you an opportunity to confront her about her attitude — lovingly, but directly — and to point her to Christ and His unchanging love for her," Graham writes.
