“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