How often do we look at people and make assumptions? We make assumptions about people based on what they wear, how much money they have, what they’ve done or haven’t done… etc. It’s just our natural human “instinct” to do that. This month God has opened my eyes to all of His children… regardless of what they have or don’t have, regardless of what they look like, where they came from, what they have or haven’t done, everyone I have come in contact with this month is a child of God.
This past Monday, my team and I ventured to the Kapenguria Prison. Prison ministry has always been something I’ve enjoyed, even back in the states, but I had no clue what to expect when walking into a Kenyan prison. That morning, my teammate Lacee shared a message that God had been placing on her heart for a while, and Mike finished it up by presenting an opportunity to accept Gods love and grace.
Through the messages, and God using our team in the prison… 53 inmates accepted Gods love and grace that morning.
Often, when society thinks of an “inmate” we directly relate the term to murder, thief, rapist, etc. A lot of times we assume the worst of inmates, and label them because of that… But is that really all they are? Just because they are in prison because of a mistake they made, is it really okay to label them because of their past forever?
When walking into the prison, it was hard for me to keep an open mind and not immediately jump into the mindset of judging them for what they have done and been through. Our goal as a team when going into the prison was to share God’s love and grace with them…. Not assume the worst of them because they were in there. They deserve the love and grace of God just as much as any of us do.
Because of our willingness to allow God to work through us instead of allowing our human thoughts to overcome us, we welcomed 53 new brothers and sisters into the kingdom. God set us in our place when we thought it would be okay to attempt to judge them… and helped us realize that they are just as much His sons and daughters as any of us are.
So here are some thoughts for my fellow brothers and sisters back home……..
How often do you allow your “humanly” thoughts to overcome you and cause you to come to quick assumptions about people before you really even know them?
Next time you see that happen, take a moment and look at them as God would see them…. As His sons and daughters.
Regardless of ones situation, what they have or haven’t done, what they have or don’t have… They are still God’s sons and daughters. God loves them just as much as He loves you and I. Let us not lose sight of that, and always try to keep the mindset that God has called us to have.
