“I
thank my God every time I remember you…because
you hold me in your heart.”
(Phippians 1:3, 7b NASV)
You
Hold Me In Your Heart
This
phrase is amazing.
These
words pour out of the heart of a prisoner. Not free
to see his treasured friends, Paul feeds on their
unmasked love. He nourishes his soul with their
valuable gift that permeates prison walls.
Then
he bestows a special message back to them: “So
this is my prayer: that your love will flourish
and that you will not only love much but well.”
(Philippians 1:9, The Message)
Paul’s
faith is more than a head trip. It’s more than
getting the facts lined up so God will be impressed.
His faith is actually a loving response to unmerited
grace. He couldn’t help but share the love,
and to relish those who shared that love in return.
In
some ways, we’re all prisoners.
Perhaps
we’re physically jailed. Or perhaps, we’re
prisoners of physical illness and limitations.
Or our incessantly worried thoughts.
Or severe financial struggles.
Or perceived inability to make needed lifestyle
changes.
Or family problems of magnanimous proportions.
Or addictions that cost more and more each day.
Or faith that has been shaken to its core.
Or soul deep insecurity and loneliness.
Or losses that never stop hurting.
Prison
is not a welcoming place. And regardless of the
source of imprisonment, the walls are colorless,
the windows are barred, and trusted companions are
the exception.
Much
of the appeal of what is called the Gospel of Christ
is this remarkable truth:
prisoners are set free.
It’s
freed prisoners that find ways to share the love,
to have their deepest needs for intimacy met in
healthy ways. It doesn’t even matter that the
prison still exists—its power to confine bodies
cannot confine the spirit set free by Creator God.
Faith
pilgrims learn to love and be loved, to appreciate
life’s purposefulness even within prison walls.
They personalize Aristotle’s observation: “Without
friends no one would choose to live, though he had
all other goods.”
So
today, regardless of your prison, may you taste
the delight of freedom and sense the comfort of
loving companions.
-Virgil Fry
