Gone to Prison

#prisonvisit #Jesusblood #freefromsin

I am gone today, visiting a friend in prison. This is my third time to visit him, and each time I come away with a heart a little more broken, yet a lot more thankful.

As I look around the room at all the inmates visting and playing board games with their families, I realize how similar to them I really am.

The only difference is that my crimes of gossip, gluttony, and griping are not against the law. So I am free to have the life I enjoy. But only because of Jesus.

The first time I told a lie, coveted someone's house, job, or clothing, or disrespected my parents, I was doomed to a spiritual bondage worse than being locked away in prison. I died inside. I was separated from God.

 

 

It took the blood of Jesus to free me from my "little" sins the same as it freed these men from murder, theft, or drug dealing. For once a man or woman turns to God, acknowledges their need for cleansing, and repents of their sin, God calls them "child." No longer a criminal, but a prince or princess of Almighty God.

If I'm ever tempted to feel a bit smug that I never broke the law, I remember that Jesus had to die for me the same horrible death he died for the worst criminal. It humbles me, and drives me to pray for all the men and women who need to know His love.

In our hearts, we're all the same. Needy.