Verse of the Day 11/21
Hebrews 13:3Identify with those who are in prison as though you were there suffering with them, and those who are mistreated as if you could feel their pain. The Passion Translation (TPT)
When we lived in Illinois I served in the jail ministry of our church, once a month a group of a few men would go to the county jail and conduct services. The county jail was often a place where people were incarcerated having been arrested for a crime and waiting for their trial. None of them wanted to be there and most did not know how long they would be in jail if they were convicted. I'm sure that there were some that were not actually guilty of the crime. It is not a pleasant situation and a big part of what we had to say is that if they wanted to avoid coming back they would have to undergo changes, in habits, activities and making wise choices as to whom they hang around or associate with. They needed to be lifted up.
All of us have messed up something in our lives and one of the key things here is for us to have empathy for those who are in prison. But it goes beyond those who are physically in prison. People can be "imprisoned" emotionally as well as physically. They can be imprisoned by a sense of failure; fatigue or having lost hope or confidence in their situation. The call for us is to identify "with" them; not just identify them.
A word of encouragement; being a friend that sticks closer than a brother; showing kindness; or just spending time with them letting them know that you are with them can show that you feel their pain and give them cause to hope for a brighter day.
I was sinking deep in sin,
Far from the peaceful shore,
Very deeply stained within,
Sinking to rise no more,
But the Master of the sea,
Heard my despairing cry,
From the waters lifted me,
Now safe am I.
Refrain
Love lifted me! Love lifted me!
When nothing else could help
Love lifted me!
Love lifted me! Love lifted me!
When nothing else could help
Love lifted me!
Refrain
Souls in danger look above,
Jesus completely saves,
He will lift you by His love,
Out of the angry waves.
He's the Master of the sea,
Billows His will obey,
He your Savior wants to be,
Be saved today.
Blessings,
Mike
Hebrews 13:1-3 New Living Translation (NLT)
Concluding Words
13 Keep on loving each other as brothers and sisters.[a] 2 Don't forget to show hospitality to strangers, for some who have done this have entertained angels without realizing it!3 Remember those in prison, as if you were there yourself. Remember also those being mistreated, as if you felt their pain in your own bodies.
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