Will God Forgive Me for My Mistakes?

By Billy Graham, Tribune Media Services on Aug 8, 2008

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Q: I've been such a failure. My husband walked out on me when our children were still quite young, and I tried to raise them the best I knew how. But now they're all in trouble, and they say I'm the cause of all their problems. Will God ever forgive me? -- Mrs. C.D.

A: God loves you; He loves you so much that He sent His only Son into the world to save you through His death on the cross. Would He have done that if He thought you were a complete failure and of no value? No, of course not.

And because of what Christ has done for you, you can trust the Bible's promise: "In him we have ... the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace" (Ephesians 1:7). You see, when Jesus Christ went to the cross, all your sins were placed on Him -- all of them. And when He died, he took upon Himself the punishment you deserve for all your sins -- all of them. Turn to Him today and ask Him to come into your life and forgive your sins -- and He will.

At the same time, I suspect you were a far better mother than you think you were. You aren't responsible for the bad decisions your children have made; they are. Even if they didn't grow up in a perfect situation (and no one does), they still are responsible for what they've done (or failed to do). Don't carry a burden of guilt that doesn't really belong to you.

At the same time, let your children know you still love them, in spite of their present attitude. If you need to ask their forgiveness for something, don't hesitate to do so. But build your life on Christ -- and urge them to do so as well.

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Send your queries to "My Answer," c/o Billy Graham, Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, 1 Billy Graham Parkway, Charlotte, N.C., 28201; call 1-(877) 2-GRAHAM, or visit the Web site for the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association: www.billygraham.org.