I Was In Prison And You Came To Me | Building Bridges Beyond The Bars

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Matthew 25:35-36

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[35]for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in;
[36]I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.’

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The scripture from Matthew 25:36, “I was in prison and you came to Me,” carries a profound message about the importance of showing compassion and support to those who are incarcerated. In this verse, Jesus highlights the significance of visiting and ministering to prisoners.

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Visiting someone in prison may not be a popular or comfortable choice for many individuals. Society tends to stigmatize those who have been incarcerated, often overlooking their humanity and disregarding their need for love and support. However, Jesus teaches us to see beyond societal judgments and to extend our care and compassion to all, including those who are imprisoned.

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When Jesus says, “I was in prison and you came to Me,” He is emphasizing the importance of recognizing the dignity and worth of every person, regardless of their circumstances. He calls us to break down the barriers that separate us and to reach out to those who are marginalized and forgotten.

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Visiting prisoners is not simply about providing physical presence; it is about offering hope, encouragement, and a sense of belonging. When we visit those in prison, we remind them that they are not defined solely by their past mistakes. We show them that they are still valued members of society, deserving of love and support.

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Moreover, visiting prisoners allows us to address the deeper issues that contribute to incarceration. It provides an opportunity to understand the root causes of crime, such as systemic inequality, poverty, mental health, and lack of access to education or job opportunities. Through our visits, we can advocate for justice, rehabilitation, and social reform, working towards addressing these underlying issues and preventing future cycles of incarceration.

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Visiting prisoners also has a transformative effect on the visitors themselves. It challenges our preconceived notions and biases, teaching us empathy, forgiveness, and the capacity for redemption. It forces us to confront our own judgments and biases, and to recognize the potential for change and growth in every individual. Through these visits, we learn the power of second chances and the importance of fostering a society that embraces rehabilitation and restoration.

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In addition to physical visits, there are other ways to support and minister to those in prison. We can offer prayer, write letters of encouragement, provide resources for personal growth and education, and support programs that aim to rehabilitate and reintegrate prisoners into society. We can also advocate for fair and just policies that address the root causes of crime and promote restorative justice.

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Ultimately, visiting prisoners is an act of obedience to Jesus’ teachings and a reflection of His love and grace. It is an opportunity to bring hope, healing, and transformation to those who are often overlooked and forgotten. As followers of Christ, we are called to extend our care and support to all, including those who are in prison.

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In conclusion, Matthew 25:36 reminds us of the importance of visiting prisoners and ministering to them. It challenges us to see beyond societal judgments and to recognize the inherent worth and dignity of every person, regardless of their past mistakes. By reaching out to those in prison, we demonstrate our commitment to compassion, justice, and the transformative power of Christ’s love. Let us be mindful of the opportunities we have to visit prisoners and extend our care and support to them, working towards a society that values redemption, restoration, and reconciliation.

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I Was In Prison And You Came To Me | Building Bridges Beyond The Bars

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