Remembering the prisoner

Matthew 25 is one of my favourite Bible passages and I have enjoyed many good sermons that reflected on it. God instructs his people to feed the hungry, the thirsty, the stranger, the naked, the sick and those in prison. As we reflect on that passage, we see that God delights in us when we care for those around us and as we show others God’s love. This text has motivated our churches to be active in social justice and in tending for those in our society who need assistance. Many hospitals in our country were started by churches who saw the need and acted on them. But the one area of our text that gives us great difficulty is God’s instruction to remember those in prison, as most churches or pastors have difficulty in how to approach this directive.

Society as a whole has little time or concern over those in prison as they believe that those in prison get what they deserve. Even those of us that are involved in prison ministry would somewhat agree with that statement but believe that we are fortunate God never said that about us. Instead, God gave us his unconditional love and forgiveness. In his mercy he does not give us what we deserve and in his amazing grace he gives us what we do not deserve. That is a very humbling blessing that our mentors appreciate more and more and feel strongly that those in prison need that same mercy and grace.

God’s word in action

One of our students, “Jacob,” recently wrote, “I first came to Christ in prison. I have spent most of my life messed up on drugs and alcohol. I started reading my Bible after completing Bible studies and was reading the book of John when it hit me how much God loved even me. I broke down in tears of joy and since that day spend most of my time trying to do good and help others. By no means am I perfect but I am on the right path. By the love of Jesus, I can change, I do believe anyone can. Praise the Lord.” That is evidence of the power of God’s Word in action where we least expect it. The Holy Spirit is working through prison chaplains, loving and caring mentors and especially through his word presented in a way that is easy to understand.

Those incarcerated in our judicial system are individuals who were created in God’s image just like everyone sitting in our church pews, and each deserves the dignity God intended. It is time for believers to begin to see incarcerated individuals as people who need God’s mercy and grace just like we do. We are no different than they are except for life’s circumstances. It is amazing that once you get to know them how much their stories mirror our lives except for poor life choices.

Some of their life stories are so horrible and sad that we cannot even comprehend it. Knowing that makes us more thankful for his gift of our family and faith opportunities. What would our lives have looked like if we had been given their circumstances? I believe that our lives would be nothing like it is today and that should cause us to be humble and to thank God for his grace and his blessings.

Crossroads for Prisoners Canada was designed to connect people in prisons with mentors from churches to develop Christ-centered relationships as we study God’s Word together. The Holy Spirit is at work in our prisons and that there is great need for believers to become connected and provide leadership there. The lessons and letters written to our students from our mentors provide hope in a very dark place. Guilt and hopelessness amongst inmates can be overcome when the power of God appears. Lives, families and even communities become restored through God’s grace. Come and join us as we remember those in prison and share the joy God has placed in our hearts as we minister to them.