ArcaMax

From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham

Q: Is it true that sinful living can have a negative effect on a person’s physical and mental well-being? I grew up with a mother who had it all, but she was a bear to live with. I’ve tried to unravel just how this may have played out in her life, but now that she is gone, I hope she found peace before leaving this world. I should have prayed for her more. – I.M.

A: Sin and the sense of inner unworthiness impair physical and mental well-being. The sense of physical impurity and physical immorality, the sense of hatred directed toward our fellow men, the awareness of our own inadequacy and frustration, and our inability to achieve the goals to which we aspire – these are some reasons for physical and mental illness.

The sense of guilt and sin that natural man carries within renders him unfit for the performance of his duties; it renders him sick in both mind and body. It’s no accident that Jesus combined healing with His preaching and teaching when He was on Earth. There is a very real relationship between the life of the spirit and the health of the body and mind.

Those who have read the Bible know the transformation that took place in the life of a man named Saul when he encountered Jesus Christ. His heart was changed, and he was transformed from being one of the most destructive enemies of Christ to one of His mightiest advocates – the beloved Apostle Paul. Equally dramatic changes in human personalities take place still today.

We can never pray for too many people, asking the Lord for an outpouring of God’s Spirit upon a willful and unrepentant soul. The ministry of intercessory prayer is so important, and it’s never too late to begin praying for someone today.

=========

(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)2026 BILLY GRAHAM DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES, INC.