MONDAY NIGHT AT THE PRISON

Every Monday some men from the church visit the local prison and facilitate a Bible study and prayer time for about a dozen men. Last Monday, one man came late. He was in shackles–hands and feet–and accompanied by a female correctional officer. When he was seated, the CO remained standing outside our circle and closer to the door. Although Bible study is one of the few times the men can  be away from observation, a guard always stays with a prisoner on restriction.

After a couple of minutes, one of the men got up, walked to the back of the auditorium where we meet, and brought a chair for the CO. Nothing was said as the discussion continued, but it was a powerful statement. Jesus taught in the Sermon on the Mount that when a Roman guard compels a follower of Jesus to go with him one mile, he should go with him two.

It is easy to be nice to those who are nice to us. At Christmas, we “exchange gifts” with those we like. But Christians are invited to go the second mile and love the unlovable.

Who is standing outside your circle?