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Read Luke 10:25-37
Now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is
love.
--- Corinthians 13:13 (NIV)
I am currently incarcerated, Although I met Christ long ago, I never lived by
God's word. After my imprisonment, I rededicated my life to God and began trying
truly to live a Christian life. Not long after, my faith in God's teachings was
tested.
A man moved into the cell next to mine. Since privacy is an unwritten rule
here, I didn't know his crime. Soon I found out he had abused a 14-year-old
girl. In here, child abusers are persecuted and beaten without remorse by other
prisoners. In the past, I would have joined in, but now my life has a different
purpose.
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Jesus teaches us to love our neighbors as ourselves (Mathew 19:19), so my
duty was clear. Like the Samaritan helping the Jew in the parable of the good
Samaritan, I hd to risk physical and social
reprisal. I had to let this man know that not everyone in the prison hated him -
that, in fact, somebody cared about him and wasn't going to judge him. I also
had to let him know that God was waiting to forgive and save him.
Now I speak with him in the units: I sit with him at meals. I show him what my
Lord has shown me. I hope with God's help, I can always love my neighbor.
Prayer: Lord, give us the strength to love people who may not be loved
by others. Remind us that all people are our neighbors. Amen.
Thought for the Day
My compassion can help others get through the day
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