This may sound offensive to some, but prisons contain many of God’s children.  For it is in places like this where the Lord has hidden, for now, some of His special treasures.

 

     Behind these walls are men and women who are shining with the Holy Spirit.

 

     Unfortunately, society’s inclination is to dismiss prisoners as unredeemable and incorrigible, with little worth, and having no ability to contribute anything of value to the world.

 

     Even many Christians, I have observed, hold this view. And many churches and ministries, likewise, have tried to keep a safe distance from those who are incarcerated.  They often do the same with those who’ve been released, but remain branded by law enforcement and the criminal justice system as ex-cons, felons or parolees. 

 

     May I therefore humbly say that Christians who hold these opinions and who act like this, are wrong.

 

     Yes, there are men and women who are presently confined to correctional facilities who have broken the law.  And some may actually be innocent.    While countless thousands are now on parole, too.   But God hasn’t given up on them.  He’s never given up on me.

 

      As the Bible makes very clear, with the Lord there is forgiveness, mercy and hope.

 

     Of course everyone must make his own choice.  Some will reject the incarcerated, while others will be able to see what the Lord is doing in the lives of these people.

 

     But I do say this, “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.  (John 3:16).

 

     May I kindly remind everyone that “whosoever” is a big word.  It includes everyone. Amen!

 

 

David Berkowitz

November 25, 2004

 

© 2004  David Berkowitz