If everyone was more broad-minded, could peace be achieved?
From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham
Q: Our country is so divided, and division highlights intolerance demonstrated by all people, whether in politics, sports, or conduct on airplanes. I can hear one side of an issue and agree with some of what people say. When I hear the other side, there are also some valid points. To say that one group or one person knows the right way seems intolerant. It seems that if everyone could be more broad-minded, peace could be achieved. – P.A.
A: Intolerance seems a divisive word to many people. But consider the intolerance of a pilot who maneuvers his plane through the storm, realizing that a single error, just one flash of broad-mindedness, might bring disaster to all the passengers on the plane. No one wants a pilot to be broad-minded. Lives depend on narrowness when it comes to the landing of the mission.
In loving, compassionate intolerance, Jesus says, “Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction … [and] narrow is the gate … which leads to life, and there are few who find it” (Matthew 7:13–14, NKJV). Christians understand this narrowness when it comes to landing in the great heavenly airport. We can only enter the narrow way.
Christ was so intolerant of man’s lost estate that He left His lofty throne in Heaven and took on Himself the form of man, suffered at the hands of evil men, and died a shameful death on a cruel cross to purchase our redemption. So serious was man’s plight that the Lord could not look upon it lightly. He could not be broad-minded about a world held captive by its lusts, its appetites, and its sins. The Bible says, “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us” (1 John 1:8, NKJV). Only the way of the cross leads home. “He who believes in the Son has everlasting life” (John 3:36).
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,i>(This column is based on the words and writings of the late Rev. Billy Graham.)
©2026 Billy Graham Literary Trust. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
(c)2026 BILLY GRAHAM DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES, INC.
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