Will We Ever Live in Peace and Harmony with Each Other?

By Billy Graham, Tribune Media Services on Nov 9, 2009

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Q: I used to think that some day we'd live in peace and harmony with each other, once we learned to be friends and accept each other. But now I'm beginning to have my doubts. Does the Bible say anything about this? Will we ever see a better world? - Mrs. E.P.

A: Yes, some day we will see a better world - and not only a better world, but a perfect world - one that will be free of all the evils and injustices that plague us now. But the Bible says this will only happen when Jesus Christ comes again to set up His kingdom of righteousness and peace.

Why can't we seem to make any progress toward world peace? It isn't for lack of trying; governments and diplomats work for it all the time. And sometimes their efforts meet with a degree of success - at least for a time. This is one reason why the Bible tells us to pray for our leaders, because God's will is for us to live in peace (see 1 Timothy 2:1-2).

But eventually their hopes are dashed, and conflicts and wars once again break out. What's the problem? The problem is within ourselves - within our own hearts and minds. Selfishness, greed, hatred, a yearning for revenge - these destructive yearnings all come from within, and lead eventually to war. The Bible says, "What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don't they come from your desires that battle within you?" (James 4:1).

This is why we need Christ, for only He can change our hearts and replace our selfish spirits with His Spirit. Has this happened in your life? Open your heart to Christ - and then look forward to that day when Christ returns and all evil is banished.

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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.