As a correctional chaplain for 13 years, this was a favourite passage of mine. The inmates loved hearing that they were valued and worthy of love—that no matter what they had done, God loved them.
Church people also loved hearing these words, until I asked them if any would like to volunteer. Perhaps they were afraid that they would be at risk when with criminals, but I never felt afraid or at risk while serving pastorally in prison. I found it so uplifting when inmates talked about changing their lives around and making real changes in all areas of their lives.
Rarely did I hear people in other circles I moved in speak of the need for real change. Most acted as though they had their lives all in order.
This passage reminds me of the old saying, “God loves us just the way we are…but God loves us too much for us to stay the same.” God is in the change business. God is in the transformation business. God is in the resurrection business.
Gracious God, help us to serve and love the hungry, the thirsty, the stranger, the sick and the prisoner. Help us to see you in everyone we meet. Amen. —