World-renowned evangelist Billy Graham can think of nothing more tragic than suicide. Not only is it horrible to claim one's life but it is also very "devastating to those who are left behind," he says.
A man wrote to Graham on The Kansas City Star, telling him that he attempted suicide 10 years ago but wasn't successful. He has changed his life since then, but the man was wondering if God will ever forgive him for his terrible act.
Graham says he is thankful God in His grace spared the man's life, and he hopes that the man's story will encourage others who might be contemplating the same thing not to push through with their plans.
"[You should] know there can be hope," Graham writes. "God has spared you and blessed you in many ways since then. Why, then, would He not forgive you? God loves you, and His goodness to you is proof this is true."
Graham says God has given the man a second shot at life and proved His love for him by sacrificing His own son Jesus Christ. "He sent His only Son into the world to give His life for you. If you had been the only person in the world who needed to be forgiven, Jesus Christ still would have sacrificed His life for you," says Graham.
The evangelist further tells the man to waste no time in accepting God's love and forgiveness. "By a simple prayer of faith accept God's gift of forgiveness by asking Christ to come into your life today. Don't carry your burden of guilt and doubt any longer, but joyfully hand it over to Jesus," he advises.
Graham ends with the Bible verse Psalm 68:19. It reads, "Praise be to the Lord, to God our Saviour, who daily bears our burdens."
