ON CHRISTIANITY

DEAR REV. GRAHAM: I lost my wife to drugs last year, and it’s as if I have a hole in my heart that will never heal. Recently a friend told me about someone who says she can put me in touch with my wife’s spirit. My sister says to stay away, but what do I have to lose?

— D.F. DEAR D.F.: I strongly urge you to listen to your sister. I know this may be tempting to you — but it would be wrong in God’s eyes, and nothing good can come from it. The Bible’s command is clear: “Touch no unclean thing.” (Isaiah 52:11).

Why do I urge you not to go down this road? One reason is because many who claim to have powers like this actually are frauds. Although they may appear to be sympathetic and say they want to help you, in reality they can’t deliver what they promise, and they’re only interested in your money.

But others have committed their lives to spiritual powers and demonic forces that are opposed to God, and they actively seek to use those occult powers in ways that can only harm you spiritually. This is why the Bible commands us to stay away from any kind of occult activity, including attempts to communicate with the dead. The Bible solemnly warns, “Anyone who does these things is detestable to the Lord” (Deuteronomy 18:12).

The most important thing I can tell you, however, is that God knows all about your hurt — and He wants to help you, because He loves you. He wants to fill the empty place in your soul, and He wants to give you hope for the future. Don’t turn to false paths, and don’t give in to hopelessness. Turn instead to Jesus Christ, and open your heart and life to His love today.

Write to Billy Graham in care of Billy Graham Evangenlistic Association, 1 Billy Graham Parkway, Charlotte, N.C., 28201 or visit the website at billygraham.org