Billy Graham was one of the most influential spiritual voices across the globe for decades.
He preached to hundreds of millions of people, met with every U.S. president since Harry Truman, spoke out for civil rights in the 1950s and ’60s and so much more.
He passed away one year ago today. Here are a few of his most memorable quotes:
On Sanctification
“Being a Christian is more than just an instantaneous conversion—it is a daily process whereby you grow to be more and more like Christ.”
On Money
“There is nothing wrong with men possessing riches. The wrong comes when riches possess men.”
On Courage
“Courage is contagious. When a brave man takes a stand, the spine of others are often stiffened.”
On Hardship
“Mountaintops are for views and inspiration, but fruit is grown in the valleys.”
On Comfort
“Comfort and prosperity have never enriched the world as much as adversity has.”
On Community
“Churchgoers are like coals in a fire. When they cling together, they keep the flame aglow; when they separate, they die out.”
On Judging Others
“It is the Holy Spirit’s job to convict, God’s job to judge and my job to love.”
On Honesty
“Don’t ever hesitate to take to [God] whatever is on your heart. He already knows it anyway, but He doesn’t want you to bear its pain or celebrate its joy alone.”
On Jesus
“Many people are willing to have Jesus as part of their lives—as long as it doesn’t cost them anything. They may even profess faith in Jesus and join a church. But Jesus to them is almost like an insurance policy—something they obtain and then forget about until they die. What keeps you from being His disciple?”
On Bible Reading
“The very practice of reading [the Bible] will have a purifying effect upon your mind and heart. Let nothing take the place of this daily exercise.”
On God’s Love
“Sin is the second most powerful force in the universe, for it sent Jesus to the cross. Only one force is greater—the love of God.”
On Evangelism
“The greatest form of praise is the sound of consecrated feet seeking out the lost and helpless.”
On Salvation
“Salvation is an act of God. It is initiated by God, wrought by God, and sustained by God.”
On Hope
“I’ve read the last page of the Bible. It’s all going to turn out all right.”
