“So let's not get tired of doing what is good… At just the right
time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don't give up…”
Galatians 6:9-10 NLT
It's not easy doing prison time…
time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don't give up…”
Galatians 6:9-10 NLT
It's not easy doing prison time…
Even for a man with deep faith in God, prison life has its unique challenges and hardships. Yet in spite of the difficulties of prison life, I thank God that I'm here. Why? Because for me as a follower of Messiah Jesus, prison affords many opportunities to help my fellow man.
Often referred to as the “House of Pain,” the reality is that behind these walls and razor wire fences, are men from all walks of life who are carrying around a lot of pain. And it's not necessarily a physical pain, although it may be that too. Rather, it's an inner pain that's mixed with anger and rage, regret and guilt, feelings of injustice and betrayal, along with a lot of hurt, frustration, and disappointment.
For these individuals, many believe that life has dealt them a cruel blow, or many blows. While some also recognize that they were their own worst enemy, knowing their wounds may have been self-inflicted through bad choices.
And from what I know about the Lord Jesus, He takes pity on those who are hurting. Even if their wounds were brought on by sin and the deliberate breaking of the laws of society, He knows that the lives of lawbreakers and transgressors is a hard one. Yet He comes with compassion, always standing ready to forgive, and with arms outstretched. Lovingly, He beckons sinners to come to Him, and He will never turn them away.
Part of my calling is to share the good news that, while God never condones sin, He is always willing and eager to forgive those who've broken the law, want to repent of their crimes and transgressions, and yearn to be forgiven.
While in other ways, I want to help my fellow inmates with words of positive motivation and encouragement. Or if someone needs a friend or a listening ear or needs help writing a letter to a loved one, I want to be there for them. It's all by God's grace, and because He cares.
D.B.
Often referred to as the “House of Pain,” the reality is that behind these walls and razor wire fences, are men from all walks of life who are carrying around a lot of pain. And it's not necessarily a physical pain, although it may be that too. Rather, it's an inner pain that's mixed with anger and rage, regret and guilt, feelings of injustice and betrayal, along with a lot of hurt, frustration, and disappointment.
For these individuals, many believe that life has dealt them a cruel blow, or many blows. While some also recognize that they were their own worst enemy, knowing their wounds may have been self-inflicted through bad choices.
And from what I know about the Lord Jesus, He takes pity on those who are hurting. Even if their wounds were brought on by sin and the deliberate breaking of the laws of society, He knows that the lives of lawbreakers and transgressors is a hard one. Yet He comes with compassion, always standing ready to forgive, and with arms outstretched. Lovingly, He beckons sinners to come to Him, and He will never turn them away.
Part of my calling is to share the good news that, while God never condones sin, He is always willing and eager to forgive those who've broken the law, want to repent of their crimes and transgressions, and yearn to be forgiven.
While in other ways, I want to help my fellow inmates with words of positive motivation and encouragement. Or if someone needs a friend or a listening ear or needs help writing a letter to a loved one, I want to be there for them. It's all by God's grace, and because He cares.
D.B.