The Word tells us quite clearly to minister to the hungry, the sick, and even to the prisoners. When we read these verses literally immediately we have a picture in our minds as we unconsciously stereotype the people who would fall into each category.
When we think of the hungry a picture of a child from a third world country with a swollen stomach is probably the image we have.
When we think of the sick a picture of a person lying in a hospital bed attached to machines pops into our minds.
…And when we think of prisoners we visualize a rough looking character painted up with tattoos, dressed in stripes, wearing shackles on his hands and feet.
...and this is reality--this is what our physical eyes see everyday!
But if we will open our spiritual eyes just for a moment we can see a perfect portrait of a drug addict…
Addicts are people who started out hungry…they have a gaping hole on the inside that they have been trying desperately to fill—In their efforts to fill that VOID they became very sick with a disease that no Dr. can cure---Which in turn locks them in a prison from which hey cannot escape!
Unfortunately addiction generates a mental picture as well, and with it comes a stigma that produces criticisms and often times judgments. Today I pray that as we shine the Light of God’s Word onto the people trapped in addiction the first picture you see from this point forward is that of Jesus Christ!
Today is The National Day of Prayer, and today I pray that we as a people open our eyes to peoples needs and see beyond their faults, and love them as Christ does.
Pastor Brandiilyne Irvin
Powerful thoughts, BB. So humbling. Thank you!
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