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From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham

Q: I’m shocked that God allowed certain stories to be part of the Bible. There are some pretty rough characters. I thought the Bible was a storybook about God’s love. – G.L.

A: The same Book that tells us over and over again of God’s love warns us constantly of the devil who would come between us and God, the devil who is ever waiting to ensnare souls. God has much to teach us from the examples of His people who failed. But most of all, His Word points us to Christ, who alone can forgive us and set our feet on the right path. It’s encouraging that God included real-life, flesh and blood sinful people in the Bible.

David committed adultery, Abraham lied about his wife – the list goes on and on. Why are these stories included? So we will learn from what others have done or not done. We also see clearly that sin always has consequences: “These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us” (1 Corinthians 10:11, NIV).

King David was a great leader and a good man in many ways. But he became complacent, and instead of carrying out his responsibilities, he fell into immorality (see 2 Samuel 11–12). And consider the tragic consequences of his sin: Not only did the child born of an illicit union die, but David committed other sins – lying and murder – in a vain attempt to cover it up. Furthermore, his influence for good was lost, and his later years as king were marked by rebellion and tragedy. But when David repented before the Lord, he was forgiven, and the joy of his salvation was restored.

It was God’s love that knew that people were incapable of obeying His law, and it was His love that promised a Redeemer, a Savior, who would save His people from their sins.

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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.