“Why are some people so mean-spirited? My brother was always mean when we were growing up, and now that he's older he hasn't changed. He's on his fourth marriage now, and his new wife is finding out what the rest of us already knew about him. Do people like this ever change?”
“If someone is very old and frail when they die, are they going to look like that in heaven? Or are we just going to be spirits floating around in heaven?”
“I know Christmas is several months away, but our grandchildren are getting into their teens and we're wondering what we can give them that will help them spiritually. We usually give small gifts of money, but we'd like to give them something more meaningful. Do you have any suggestions?”
“A couple of years ago, I foolishly thought the grass was greener on the other side, and I had an affair with a man I met at work. It's over with, but now I'm terrified I might have gotten AIDS or some other disease. My husband doesn't know about this but it's really affecting our relationship. Have I committed the unpardonable sin? I'm so miserable.”
“Does the Bible say anything about obesity? I know I'm seriously overweight and my doctor is constantly after me to do something about it, but I don't seem to be making much progress. Maybe I'd take him more seriously if I really thought God wanted me to change.”
“I know you often say God loves everyone, but surely there must be some people He hates. What about people who abuse children, for example, or cause wars, or persecute people who believe in God? I can't imagine God loving them, can you?”
“I've always been a very busy person, with many church and community activities. But a few months ago I had a stroke, and now it looks like I'll never be able to resume them. Why did God do this to me? I'm having a real struggle over this question.”
“I'm in poor health (heart problems) and know I could die at any time, but I get very upset whenever I think about it. I believe in Jesus and in heaven, but I love my family very much and can't stand the thought of being separated from them. Is it wrong for me to think this way?”
“I know you say God loves us, and maybe it's true for some people, but I can't believe that about myself. I wish I knew God loved me, and I've even tried to convince myself He does, but I know I'm just kidding myself. What would you say to someone like me?”
“I grew up in a Christian home, but over the years I drifted away from it and don't believe in God at all now. My question is this: Once a person is a convinced atheist, is there any hope of becoming a believer again? I don't see how it's possible, but I'd be interested in your answer.”
“How can we teach our young son that it's wrong to lie? I don't know why he seems to have such a problem with this (he's only 7), but just about the time we think he understands, we go through another episode. Our older son is never this way.”
“I've always been a strong Christian and active in our church, but the other day I got very angry at someone at work and said some things I shouldn't have. I feel very ashamed of myself, but most of all I know I've let down the Lord. Is there any way for me to recover from this?”