Also see: Frequently Asked Questions   Expanded Information for CIR Members

The following questions and their answers link to the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA) web site. This does not imply an endorsement of BGEA and its related ministries by CIR or visa versa. Abortion I have had an abortion and feel so guilty. Can God forgive me? I'm single and pregnant, and I'll probably get an abortion, although I don't want to. Why is abortion such a big issue for Christians? Abuse We're believers and attend church, but when my husband gets angry he sometimes hits me. What should I do? How can I overcome the effects of the abuse I suffered as a child? Would it be all right to marry if my boyfriend promises to change and control his temper? Addiction How can I get free from addiction? How can I get free from the alcoholism which is ruining my life?/a> How can I help my loved one who is using drugs and alcohol? Our son has been in and out of alcohol treatment programs since he started drinking in college. But they never did any good, and now we don't even know where he is. Anger We're believers and attend church, but when my husband gets angry he sometimes hits me. What should I do? I don't see what's wrong with being angry at someone, as long as you don't hurt them or anything like that. How do you deal with a person who is angry all the time? I get angry easily. Can God help me to change? What can I do about the harsh and hurtful things my husband says to me? Is it really possible to know inner peace? I know you aren't supposed to hate people, but someone hurt me very badly. What would you say to someone like me? How should we respond to criticism? I admit I get angry and respond in ways I probably shouldn't. Anxiety What can I do to find relief from my worries? How can I deal with the fear and anxiety that makes me want to stay home all the time? What does the Bible mean when it says that we shouldn't think about the future? (I seem to remember the phrase "Take no thought for tomorrow.") Bad Habits & Behavior I moved six months ago to escape from my problems, but it didn't work. Which is more important -- what we believe about God, or what kind of life we live? I've prayed for God to take away a bad habit I have, but nothing happens. How can I get rid of it? Now that I'm a Christian, how do I avoid slipping into my old lifestyle habits? All my New Year's resolutions lasted less than two weeks. What am I doing wrong? I'm depressed because of all the times I've failed.... Contolling My Thoughts I can't control my thoughts. How can I change? I'm depressed because of all the times I've failed.... Debt & Money When Having It All Isn't Enough Does God want all of His children to be financially wealthy? I have serious financial problems. What can I do? Our adult children are piling up credit card debt. Should we say anything, or just let them figure it out for themselves? In so much debt you think you can't get out? I love to shop. How do I know if something I enjoy has gone too far? Depression Is it wrong to take medication for depression? If life is hopeless, why not put an end to it, if the person agrees? After Christmas, I always feel depressed and disappointed. How can I make this Christmas different? Is it really possible to know inner peace? I'm depressed because of all the times I've failed.... What should I do to fight depression -- see a doctor or just pray more? My husband refuses medicine for his depression and says it's against God's will because it deceives our brains. Is he right? Disability How can I get over my discouragement and bitterness because of a physical disability? Discouragement How can I get over my discouragement and bitterness because of a physical disability? I've made such a big mess of my life that I'm not sure I even want to go on living. I'm about to lose my faith because God won't answer my prayers. I had a bad relapse into drug and alcohol abuse. Will God forgive me? Eating, Food & Diet Is overeating a sin? Faith Sometimes I really believe, but then sometimes my faith is very weak. I'm a Christian. Will I lose my salvation if I sin? How can I keep from letting my feelings overpower my faith? What does it mean to believe in Jesus? How can I get to know God? How can you be so sure there is a God, since science hasn't proven His existence? What does it mean to "believe" in Christ? What does it mean to be "born again"? I have wandered away from the Lord. Is there a way back? Fear How can I deal with the fear and anxiety that makes me want to stay home all the time? The Cure for Anxiety Forgiveness of God Will God forgive me for being sexually active? Maybe even pregnant? I know I need God, but He must be mad at me for the way I've treated Him. How do I know God has really forgiven me? I have had an abortion and feel so guilty. Can God forgive me? I've asked God to forgive me, but how do I know He's actually done it? Forgiveness of Others & Myself I know we're supposed to forgive people who've hurt us, but to be honest I'd rather get even. How can I reconnect with my mother, who I haven't spoken with in six years? Gambling Is it appropriate for a Christian to gamble? Grief My brother and sister-in-law blame God for the death of their son. How can I help them? Health What would you say to someone with bad health habits who says it's better to enjoy life even if you don't live as long? Homosexuality I struggle with homosexual feelings and temptations. Does God hate me? What can I do? Are homosexuals born that way? Does the Bible approve of some homosexual relationships? Our little boy only wants to play with little girls and act like them. Does this mean he is a homosexual? I have a loved one who is gay. Where can I find help? Lonliness & Acceptance by Others Like Struggling in Quicksand How can I overcome my lonliness? I'm divorced, and it's been miserable, not really knowing my children and being lonely. What should I do? Why don't my old drinking buddies take me seriously now that I've become a Christian? How can I find someone who wants a lasting relationship? I wish people would accept me the way I am, but how can I make them? My loved one died. How can I deal with my loneliness? Mental Health Our son has emotional problems, but he refuses to get professional help. What can we do? What can I do to find relief from my worries? How can I deal with the fear and anxiety that makes me want to stay home all the time? Misc I'm retired, and I feel so useless. What's wrong with me? Peace / Serenity I am going through a difficult time with no relief in sight. How can I find peace and contentment? Relationships & Marriage How can we resolve the problems we are having in our marriage? My marriage is in shambles since my spouse cheated on me. How do I deal with this? I'm divorced, and it's been miserable, not really knowing my children and being lonely. What should I do? How can we make our marriage last? How can I find someone who wants a lasting relationship? It is wrong to daydream about being married to someone else? I've been in and out of several marriages, and nothing has ever gone right. Why can't I get my life together? My ex-husband was abusive and selfish, but I've always welcomed him back. Why don't I ever wise up? Right & Wrong I know God wants me to be pure, but is it really possible today? How Can I know what is right and what is wrong? Salvation I don't always feel saved. How can I be sure I am? Why Does God Hate Me? Sex Why does religion always seem to oppose things like sexual freedom? Do you believe it's possible for a man to love two women at the same time? So what's wrong with sexual freedom anyway? Suffering I am going through a difficult time with no relief in sight. How can I find peace and contentment? I have one problem after another. Has God forgotten me? Why must I suffer? I'm afraid God has stopped loving me...... Suicide I have thoughts of ending my life. Where can I find help? I've lived a full life. Is it wrong to want to die and go to heaven? I'm the only one left in my family. Sometimes I feel so lonely I even think about taking my own life. Worry See: Anxiety