About the prodigal son in Lk. 15, you said that it is important to God that we all come back, so He can forgive us.  But then why can’t all people just be, like, crazy, and in the end of their lives, go to God and ask for forgiveness and all will be fine?  What is the argument that keeps someone from doing that?

Sincerely,
Last Minute Convert

Dear Last Minute Convert,

The easiest way to answer this question is by referring to Gal 6:7 which says that God can’t be “mocked”.  This means that we can’t trick God or fool Him into believing we have changed when we really haven’t.  Rom 8:27 says that God searches our hearts, and 1 Jhn 3:20 says that God knows all things.  When we come to God for forgiveness, God expects us to not only want forgiveness, but to change our mind about sin.  The word ‘repent’ means ‘to change your mind’, and repentance is a requirement for salvation (Acts 2:38).  If we attempt to live a sinful life and just “fool” God by asking for forgiveness at the end, it won’t work.  God knows whether or not we have truly repented of our sins and are truly sorry for the sins we have committed.  It isn’t enough to want forgiveness; you have to hate sin and really believe that you were in the wrong.  Our faith in God must be a sincere faith (1 Tim 1:5).  If it isn’t sincere, God will know, and He won’t be tricked.

Is it scriptural to hold Libertarian political views?

Sincerely,
To The Polls

Dear To The Polls,

It depends on the political views.  Every political group has beliefs that agree with Scriptures and beliefs that contradict Scriptures.  A Christian needs to assess everything they believe off of the Scriptures and never be so beholden to any given political party that they ignore Scripture in order to hold to the party line.  Christianity transcends politics and earthly national views.  Christians are a part of a holy nation that upholds the will of God above all else (1 Pet 2:9).

       The fact that many people are going to hell each day keeps me awake at night, and I cannot stop thinking about it.  Can I have some answers?

Sincerely,
Empathetic

Dear Empathetic,

No one has thought more about those perishing in hell than God has.  God thought about it so much He sent His own Son to try and save us from hell (Jhn 3:16).  God doesn’t desire anyone to perish (2 Pet. 3:9).

Take comfort in the fact that God won’t make any mistakes on the Day of Judgment, and no one will accidentally end up in heaven or hell.  He is compassionate, loving, and ready to show mercy (Ps. 86:5).  If someone goes to hell, it is because the most faithful and loving Being in existence judged properly.

     What do you do when you have hurt someone and have said you’re sorry, but they didn’t accept your apology?

Sincerely,
Penitent

Dear Penitent,

You accept that is where they are at and leave it be.  We are told to do everything we can to be at peace with others (Rom 12:18), but peace depends upon the actions of both parties.  You should still continue to pursue peace with this individual, but you can only do what you can do (Heb 12:14).

Jesus teaches us humility and not to be prideful.  How can our co-workers respect us if we practice this?  How can I not be labeled a “pushover” or the “whipping boy” if I practice this?  I am asking from a supervisor’s point of view.

Sincerely,
Having The Oversight

Dear Having The Oversight,

Humility is not the same as being a pushover, and pride is not equal to strength.  Humility means that you aren’t arrogant or that you have any unrealistic view of your own importance.  Jesus was humble, and yet He also drove out the moneychangers from the temple (Jhn 2:15) and railed against the evil of the Pharisees (Matt 23:13-15).  The humble man improves himself and serves others with respect and dignity… just like Jesus did.  Jesus led with humility, and therefore, when He put His foot down, people knew it was important.

    My husband has become more and more abusive to me this past year; the climax was this last Saturday when he attacked me and grabbed me by the windpipe.  I left and am staying with my parents while he is starting counseling.  What verses could you give me to help me through this time? I feel very lost and do not understand why God would let me go through this.  I know He took care of me (I am safe and unharmed), but I don’t know where to turn to deal with this.

Thanks for everything you guys do.

Sincerely,
Rattled Wife

Dear Rattled Wife,

We are so glad you are safe, and we are so very happy to hear that your husband is seeking counseling.  It sounds like you are moving in a positive direction out of a very dark place.  Whenever we are trying to understand why bad things happen, we have to remember that God built this world to be good.  We were the ones that shattered the utopia of Eden.  The Garden of Eden was perfect… Adam and Eve changed everything when they sinned (Gen 3:6-8).  Bad things happen because of their sin and all the sins that have followed.  Everyone is affected by sin – the sins we commit and the sins others commit.  God doesn’t want things to be like this forever.  That is exactly why He sent His own Son to die, so we could have hope of heaven where every tear will be wiped away, and there will be no more death or suffering (Rev 21:4).

As far as specific verses to give you comfort during this time, probably one of the most often read Psalms for comfort during troubles is the 23^rd Psalm.  Another verse to find encouragement is Rom 8:28 which teaches that all things work together for good when we serve God.  Another is 1 Cor 10:13 which says that God won’t allow us to be tempted beyond what we are able.  Another comforting passage is Jer 29:11.  Jeremiah spoke these words to a nation that was in a very dark time and reminded Israel that when they served God, He had wonderful plans for their future.  If you place your trust in the Lord, He has wonderful plans for you, too.