01/06/2026
Have you ever been imprisoned, or have been in a prison and know what is like being there? I recall youth camps where we reached out to the prisoners, staying with them for 24 hours. A different world indeed.
Most of us live in freedom, safety, and relatively stable circumstances. Yet the writer of Hebrews says: “Remember those who are in prison, as though you were in prison with them.” We are called to more than simply thinking about them for a moment. It means being compassionate towards them; placing ourselves in the situation of others; taking seriously the suffering of fellow human beings.
We are reminded that we do not live only for ourselves. Whoever belongs to Christ also belongs to others. Their pain concerns us. Their suffering should never leave us indifferent.
At the time this was written, many Christians were persecuted, mocked, or imprisoned because of their faith. Today, the same reality exists in many parts of the world. People are oppressed, abused, and excluded.
Some are imprisoned physically; others are trapped by fear, loneliness, grief, or hopelessness.
Perhaps you know a person who is imprisoned inwardly by guilt, illness, sorrow, or anxiety. That person needs some who will not forget him or her.
We are all vulnerable human beings. None of us stands above the suffering of others. None of us is untouchable. What happens to another person could also happen to us. That is why Christ calls us to compassion.
Jesus Himself drew near to those who suffered. He saw the rejected, touched the broken, and restored dignity to those who were despised. On the cross, He Himself became a prisoner. He was mocked, abused, and abandoned. Christ does not remain distant from our suffering. He carries it with us. It is there were we see the love of God:
We can learn to live with compassion. Perhaps not always through great deeds, but through attentive eyes, listening hearts, a visit, a prayer, or a word of encouragement.
Martin Luther reminds us: “Good deeds do not make us into good Christians, but good Christians do good deeds.” Amen.
Bishop Gilbert Filter
