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From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham

Dear Rev. Graham: The Bible indicates that we should show mercy to others, but I’m not sure that is what most people need. It seems to me that the world needs correction – one big therapy session. – W.N.

Dear W.N.: The first and second commandments are the only therapy the world has ever needed. “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. … Love thy neighbour as thyself” (Matthew 22:37, 39, KJV).

The mercy the world needs is the grace, love, and peace of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is His transforming and regenerating power that the world needs more than anything else. We are to take a cup of cold water in one hand and the Gospel in another and extend them to a physically and spiritually starved world. We have thought that people’s needs were entirely physical but they are also spiritual. This is why the world is in dire need of the Gospel of Jesus.

If we ask God to help us reach out to others, He will answer our prayers. He will empower us to live lives that point people to Him. This is showing mercy to our fellow man. The path to happiness is not found in selfish living and indifference to others. Instead, when we have experienced the mercy of God, we will want to share it with others. We’ll be twice-blessed because we’ll perhaps meet a need of someone else while experiencing the blessing of obedience. “Happy are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.”

Only Christ can meet the deepest needs of our world and our hearts; He transcends all boundaries with His love, mercy, and grace.

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