God Not Responsible for Evil; We Are

By Billy Graham, Christian Post Guest Columnist Thursday, May 12, 2011

Q: My grandparents all died in Nazi concentration camps during the World War II. Can you understand why people like me have a hard time believing that God cares what goes on down here? Why didn't God stop what was going on? -- H.F.

A: I will never forget visiting the Nazi concentration camp of Auschwitz some years ago, where well over a million people (most of them Jews) were brutally exterminated. It was one of the few times in my life that I found myself speechless, I was so overwhelmed by the horror of what took place there. When asked to write something in the visitor's guest book, I could only think of two words: "Never again."

You have asked a profound question -- and one I can't fully answer. We live in a fallen, sin-ravaged world, and evil isn't only real, but sometimes it seems to be gaining the upper hand. One reason is because behind the tragic events of history Satan is at work -- and everything he does is destructive and corrupt.

But there's another reason why evils like Auschwitz happen -- and that is the evil within the human heart. Jesus said, "For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander" (Matthew 15:19). Never forget: God isn't responsible for the evils of our world -- we are.

That's why we need God, for only He can forgive our sin and change our hearts in a lasting way. May this become true in your life, as it has to millions of others across the centuries who've found lasting peace -- peace with God, peace with others, and peace in your heart. Jesus said, "In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world" (John 16:33).

Affectionately known as the "World's Preacher" for more than 60 years, the Rev. Billy Graham is one of the most influential and respected spiritual leaders of the 20th century. He has been a friend and spiritual advisor to ten American presidents and has preached the Gospel to more people in live audiences than anyone else in history - nearly 215 million people in more than 185 countries and territories - through various meetings. Hundreds of millions more have been reached through television, video, film, and webcasts. 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.