Hebrews 13:3
Continue to remember those in prison as if you were together with them in prison, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering.
Empathy can be the first step toward loving our neighbors. When we stop for a second to imagine their lives and their struggles, it gives our love for them direction. We can offer our love in a way that could make a difference for them. How we show love to those in prison may look different from how we show God’s love in a nursing home. We should all take that old saying more to heart: “Put yourself in their shoes.”
Holy Lord, help me to be more empathic, every day, every minute. If I can imagine what it feels like to be in their shoes, I can better imagine what I can do to show your love to them. Amen
Becky, transforming
Hebrews 13:3
As I read this passage, what came to my mind was a time in my career when our surgery center had the opportunity to provide services to inmates through the department of corrections. The outrage from my staff for my considering this was tremendous…this outrage prevented the program from going forward. When I went to the hospital to meet with hospital administration to let them know the decision, I passed a group of inmates, waiting “their turn” in a secluded area of the hospital, at that time, to me, they look pitiful and humiliated…what were their stories?… I felt guilty for not being able to provide services. We should look at all of this as an opportunity …
Hebrews 13:3
Alcoholism is a disease and it seems to have run through parts of my family. I can only go back so far, but it seems that my Mother’s father had this problem, as did three of his four sons. In my generation, several cousins and also their children. I was heartbroken for my oldest daughter as I saw her struggling with drinking. Now her youngest daughter struggles also. When I talk about them, so many people don’t understand why they cannot simply not drink. It is not a matter of will power. It is hard for some to feel empathy toward alcoholism. Even I had to step back, do some research, and learn to talk openly …
EMPATHY
Wednesday November 13th, 2024
Hebrews 13:3
Remember those who are in prison, as though in prison with them, and those who are mistreated, since you also are in the body.
My brother in law is very committed to prison ministry .
The instructions in this passage tells us to visit Christians in prison no matter the reason they are behind bars. These prisoners may have committed their crimes while they were nonbelievers but later become believers while imprisoned. Even true Christians can and may break the law, for it is possible for believers to commit sins that have been recognized by the proper authorities. We cannot forget these men or women, no matter the seriousness of their crimes. They…
Hebrews 13:3
Being part of the multi-church men’s group in Concord has given me a different perspective on prison ministry. There are several members of our group who came (or returned) to faith while behind the walls. Their stories are humbling to hear as I only know them as guys in the group who are seeking to know the Lord better and to live their lives according to His teachings. They never dwell on the degradation and mistreatment they endured while incarcerated, but every once in a while a snippet will come out that stops everyone in their tracks. Praying for those in prison has become more real as the former inmates in our group know others still their trying…