Befriending Those In Prison

Befriending Those in Prison

I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.

One of our friends spent a season of his life in prison. As I got to see firsthand the struggle he experienced, I began to think about and feel burdened for people who were incarcerated. I started to pray for people who were in prison and asked God to give me an opportunity to somehow minister to and connect with them if it was appropriate.

Several weeks later, I saw a post on one of my social media feeds about an organization that seeks to connect Christian women with women who are incarcerated, as a way to offer encouragement and friendship to them. They take very literally Scripture’s command to remember those who are in prison and to build bridges of connection with them.

As I’ve started writing and receiving responses, I’ve found the women who write me back are not so different from me—we’re all people with hopes and dreams, emotions and feelings. Mistakes may have been made, some they’ve paid a high price for—but all are trying to do better.

I joined the group initially to encourage other women, but I’ve found that I receive just as much—or more—encouragement from them. As they share their stories of pain, heartache, and what they are doing now to improve their circumstances, the thread of redemption is apparent. I’ve realized these women are not unknown enemies or even outcasts because they are in prison. They are children of God, just as I am.

Some commands in the Bible are more challenging than others, but that doesn’t mean we get to choose which ones apply to us and which ones do not. We are called to do many things, including ministering to those in prison.

— Kendra

— Today’s Act of Friendship —

Pray for a person or group that may need befriending, such as prisoners, those in hospice, the homeless, or refugees.