Isn’t God against those who do really cruel things?
From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham
Q: Isn’t God against those who do really cruel things? As I watch the world in such turmoil, I can see why a holy God will judge terrorists, and murderers; but it is hard to imagine that God will take issue with people who simply show anger or unforgiveness to others as long as it doesn’t take a life or destroy property. Aren’t these things just little irritations? – S.A.
A: The Bible says in Isaiah 57:20, “The wicked are like the troubled sea, when it cannot rest, whose waters cast up mire and dirt” (NKJV). It’s hard to imagine strolling along the ocean beaches and watching the restless sea without this Scripture coming to mind.
How restless humanity is all over the world, with all our problems. The wicked are like the troubled sea when it cannot rest. And as population increases and technology becomes more complex, the tensions become greater. The unrest in the world today is unparalleled.
But still, God has got the whole world in His hands and it takes up just a smidgen. He hears all; with God, nothing is hidden. The Prophet Isaiah said, “Behold, the nations are as a drop in the bucket” (40:15, NKJV). All of creation is dwarfed in His presence.
We must never underestimate anger’s destructive power. We must honestly face the toll that anger and bitterness take on our lives. They are our enemies! The Bible says, “An angry person stirs up conflict, and a hot-tempered person commits many sins” (NIV). Every destructive emotion bears its own harvest, but anger’s fruit is the most bitter of all.
There are many irritations in life. They become prime opportunities for Satan to lead us into evil passion. Bitterness is anger gone sour, an attitude of deep discontent that poisons our souls and destroys our peace.
With God’s help, we can overcome anger and use our lives to demonstrate God’s power in our lives.
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(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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