Evangelist Billy Graham says both history books and the Bible give similar accounts of how people act. Even though many people have done many good deeds, many people have also done many unimaginable evil acts.

"Sometimes people do act unselfishly (and even sacrificially), and we should be encouraged to follow their example," Graham writes in his column for The Kansas City Star. "Tragically, however, both history and the Bible give us a much different picture."

"Think, for example, of the millions of people who were brutally killed by evil tyrants during the last century. Think, too, of the terrorism and persecution that ravage our world today," he continues.

Graham says the problem lies in people's own hearts and minds. People have been told to do better and to love one another, and many have aspired to change for the better.

Sadly, people are naturally ruled by selfishness and pride, so instead of acting out in love and compassion, they lash out in hatred and greed.

Jesus Christ captures the essence of human nature in the Bible verse Matthew 15:19. It reads: "Out of the heart come evil thoughts — murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander."

Graham says the only solution for mankind's evilness is God's grace. "This is why we need Christ, for only He can forgive us and begin changing us from within," he says. "By nature we are separated from God, and our greatest need is to be reconciled to the one who made us. Don't deceive yourself, but face your need for God's forgiveness and mercy, and by faith open your life to Jesus Christ."

Meanwhile, Graham writes on his website that one way people can truly have a sincere relationship with Christ is through prayer. "Every man or woman whose life has counted for the church and the Kingdom of God has been a person of prayer. You cannot afford to be too busy to pray. A prayerless Christian is a powerless Christian," he says.