I’ve been in prison ministry for over ten years and have learned that those that are incarcerated or have been incarcerated aren’t treated very well by the guards, their families, or even the other inmates sometimes. But, honestly it really doesn’t cost much to show them a little kindness and by doing so we show them the love of Christ. Let’s look at a very familiar story….
30 In reply Jesus said: “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he was attacked by robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. 31 A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. 32 So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. 33 But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. 34 He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him.
Luke 10:30-34
Why did the Samaritan stop to help the stranger when the priest and Levite did not? I believe it may have been because as a Samaritan he was considered a half breed therefore he was an outcast and knew what it felt like to be shunned, ignored, and basically treated as “lesser than.”
The Samaritan didn’t care what religion or nationality the man was or how he looked or smelled. Jesus doesn’t look at those things and neither should we. When we met a homeless person or someone that has been in jail or prison or even involved in prostitution we tend to look down on them and treat them as if their life doesn’t matter. ’
Putting others above yourself, and seeing people for who they really are, and who God created them to be is how we should love others. In other words, just treat them how you would want to be treated if you were in their situation. God created all of us with gifts and talents. Some have never had anybody help them realize what theirs are or taught them how to put them into practice. Let’s show people love, even the “least of these” and make someone’s day today.
~Marsha
Marsha is the writer behind God’s Love, My Life, where she shares her heart and God’s Love with readers. There she share’s about living with Spina Bifida as well as the beautiful life God has granted her through it all.