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From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham

Q: My friend might as well have slapped me across the face when she blurted out to our friends that I was a grandstander because I shared that she had been given a civic award. She never told me it was a secret, but she thought I had stolen her thunder. I was speechless. In an effort to make peace, I apologized, and she walked away telling me that she’d never confide in me again. What’s been hurtful is that she’s very active in my church. I’ve always looked up to her, but my heart is down in my shoes, and she’s fallen from her pedestal! – D.D.

A: We hear at times, “He or she is a strong Christian.” Inside, however, that person may be very weak. Not knowing what’s behind someone’s actions or words, as believers, we should try to give those who say hurtful things the benefit of the doubt. Most of all, we should pray for them. Oftentimes, people lash out at others because they don’t know how to handle their own emotions. While this is hard to do, the Lord understands and blesses those who strive for peace.

The Lord told the Apostle Paul, “‘My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.’ … Therefore, I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Corinthians 12:9–10, NKJV).

We can persevere with a “knife in our heart” when we allow the Lord to show us how we can be a blessing – even to those who hurt us. When we are weak and powerless, when we lack wisdom, God will supply it when we fall to our knees and ask Him to take over.

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

©2025 Billy Graham Literary Trust. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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