As I write this, people all over the world are preparing to say a final farewell to Billy Graham who died this week. In his long life, he preached to over 215 million people, presenting the gospel in 185 countries. Those who have studied his life, report that Billy Graham only had one message. When asked in interviews about that, Mr. Graham would affirm that he really only needed one message because there was only one thing that every person on this planet, regardless of age, creed, color or station in life needed to hear, know and believe: God loves you.

Knowing that they are loved by God is enough to motivate people with promising futures to leave everything that they have ever known in the way of family and security to share that truth with people who have never heard.

Knowing that they are loved by God is enough to cause others to forfeit the little they have in the way of possessions and safety because they believe that God is preparing an eternal home for them.

Knowing that she is loved by God is enough to change a sensitive seeker like young Mary Orlov into a vibrant witness who will dedicate her life to sharing that truth with others.

What can the knowledge that they are loved by God accomplish in the lives of those around us? 

Whatever our circumstances and regardless of the depravity of the culture around us, we, like Billy Graham really only have one message. Most of us do not have the ability to answer all the questions we may be asked, nor do we have the resources to meet all of the needs we encounter.  But we can love those around us with words, by deeds and through our prayers, trusting that God will use even our imperfect efforts to accomplish His salvation in the lives of those who are seeking Him. 

But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light (1 Peter 2:9).

Nancy Shirah