”Let brotherly love continue. 2 Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels. 3 Remember the prisoners as if chained with them—those who are mistreated—since you yourselves are in the body also.”
Hebrews 13:1-3
Did you visit me while I was in prison?
Today, I want to bring focus on a mission field that’s too often ignored by God’s flock: Prison Ministry.
This is where 99% of readers check out.
If you’re still reading, you’re either bored to death or driven by something.
That “something” is called the work of the Holy Spirit.
And today, the Spirit led me to address a vital aspect of our Christian calling: prison ministry. It is a ministry that often goes unnoticed but carries profound significance in the eyes of God. Our foundation for today’s message can be found in the book of Hebrews, specifically Hebrews 13:1-3, where the apostle Paul encourages us with these words: “Let brotherly love continue. Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. Remember those who are in prison, as though in prison with them, and those who are mistreated, since you also are in the body.”
These verses remind us of our Christian duty to love and care for those who are imprisoned, for in doing so, we are showing love to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
I. Brotherly Love (Hebrews 13:1)
Paul starts by urging us to “let brotherly love continue.” This love is not limited to our immediate family or fellow believers but extends to all, including those behind prison bars. This love is a divine love that transcends human conditions and prejudices. We are called to love unconditionally, as Christ loves us.
Prison ministry provides us with a unique opportunity to express this brotherly love. In prison, people often feel isolated and abandoned, and our love and support can be a lifeline to those who are incarcerated. We should approach prison ministry with compassion, recognizing that each prisoner is a soul in need of redemption and restoration.
II. Showing Hospitality (Hebrews 13:2)
The second verse encourages us not to neglect showing hospitality to strangers, for some have entertained angels unawares. While it is unlikely that we will literally entertain angels, the message is clear: we should show kindness and hospitality to those in need, even when they are strangers to us.
Prison ministry involves reaching out to those who might be strangers to us in a conventional sense. In this context, “strangers” can refer to those who are incarcerated, often marginalized and forgotten by society. Our hospitality in prison ministry means offering spiritual and emotional support, providing guidance, and sharing the message of God’s love and redemption with those who have gone astray. Through our hospitality, we can help them find their way back to God’s loving embrace.
III. Remembering the Imprisoned (Hebrews 13:3)
Hebrews 13:3 is the heart of our message today: “Remember those who are in prison, as though in prison with them, and those who are mistreated, since you also are in the body.” This verse calls us to a deep sense of empathy. We are instructed to remember those who are imprisoned, not as distant strangers, but as though we were in prison with them. We are to remember their struggles, their isolation, and their need for redemption. This verse reminds us that we are all part of the same body of Christ.
In prison ministry, we have an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of those who have lost their way. When we remember those who are imprisoned, we are acting as the hands and feet of Christ on this earth. We are embodying His love and grace, extending His forgiveness and hope to those who desperately need it.
I have been involved in prison ministry for close to a decade, and I have been a first hand witness to the profound need for believers to reach out to those who are otherwise overlooked by most Christians.
In Hebrews 13:1-3, we find a clear mandate to show brotherly love, to extend hospitality to strangers, and to remember those who are in prison.
Through prison ministry, we have the privilege of ministering to some of the most marginalized and broken members of society. We have the opportunity to bring hope, redemption, and the love of Christ to those who need it most.
Let us remember that Jesus Himself was a prisoner, unjustly condemned and crucified for our sins. In ministering to the imprisoned, we are ministering to Christ Himself.
As we embark on this important journey of prison ministry, may we do so with love, compassion, and a deep sense of responsibility, remembering that we, too, are part of the body of Christ, and we are called to be His ambassadors of grace and transformation.
It is my hope that you will choose to go to prison of your own accord, by faith, rather than wait for God to pull you in there by force…
May the Lord bless our efforts in prison ministry, and may His love and light shine through us as we extend a hand of hope to those who are incarcerated. In doing so, we fulfill the words of our Savior, “I was in prison, and you visited me” (Matthew 25:36), and we bring glory to His name.
Were you able to glean and grow from this message so God can be further glorified and His Kingdom magnified? If so, I would love to hear from you. Follow this link to get in touch… Let’s pray!
Father God;
We thank you for your presence in our lives,
We praise you Lord for the wisdom bestowed upon Paul and Matthew,
And we ask you Lord to help us find joy in your perfect plan.
Allow us to praise and love each other through faith in you Jesus,
Shield us from evil through your Word, salvation and prayer,
Guide us to abide by the truth as we spread the good news to one and all,
And lead the lost to You.
God we pray that you will continue to bless us,
To bless our lives and fill us with hope.
We ask you Lord to guide our footsteps and lead us to the way everlasting,
Through faith in you Lord we seek salvation and our place with you in Heaven
According to your ways, your everlasting wisdom and strength.
May your will be done, here on Earth and through the vast Universe,
May our hearts be filled with your everlasting love and grace.
Praises to You God, Amen!
This message was written by Daniel St.Pierre
