Hebrews 13: Remember Those in Prison

“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.” -Hebrews 13:3

Nearly one million Americans are incarcerated or under probation, equaling one out of ever 100 American adults. Prison is a not a place; it’s an epidemic.

Yet the old adage often applies–“out of sight, out of mind.” When we cannot see those in need, it’s easy to forget them completely. Many early Christians experienced prison themselves and could speak of the very real emotions involved concerning separation from loved ones, lack of freedom, and much more.

The author of Hebrews reminds us to remember those in prison, as if we were there with them. Why? Because that’s how Jesus thinks of us, as if he is here with us.

When we care for those in need, we not only apply God’s Word, we serve God’s will. Matthew 25 speaks directly to this, stating that those who help those in need are serving Jesus.

Today, remember those in prison. In fact, it’s not too late to help with the Christmas Angel project with Prison Prevention or Prison Fellowship’s Angel Tree program. Your remembering may be the very act that helps someone else remember the true reason for Christmas and a greater purpose for living.

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Dillon Burroughs is the author and coauthor of numerous books and is handwriting a copy of all 31,173 verses of the Bible at HolyWritProject.com. Find out more about Dillon at Facebook.com/readdB or readdB.com.