Arms of Love

"Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, you blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: For I was hungry, and you fed me, I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink: I was a stranger, and you took me in: Naked, and you clothed me: I was sick, and you visited me: I was in prison, and you came to me....Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when did we see you hungry, and feed thee? or thirsty, and gave you a drink?... And the King shall answer and say unto them, truly I say to you, Inasmuch as you have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, you have done it to me." - Matthew 25:34-35, 37, 49

Years ago, when I was serving as a praise and worship leader on the George Beto unit, the chaplain called me in to his office and told me that my sister needed to speak with me. She then delivered the devastating news that we had just lost our mom and dad to a boating accident in Costa Rica. At the time, I was only seven years into a forty-year prison sentence and my parents were the only ones who came to visit. It was a major crisis, and I was close to giving up on life. Satan was whispering lies, telling me that I had no hope and to give up. I had made some horrible decisions, and I believed that I had ruined any chance that I had for a productive future.

Thankfully, God had not given up on me and still had a plan for my life. Just outside of the chaplain's office, a few close Christian brothers were waiting with arms stretched wide. They were Jesus' arms of love reaching out to show me that I was not alone. They prayed for and encouraged me. They represented Jesus’ love when I needed it most.

The support I received did not stop there. There was also a four-day retreat in the unit called Kairos led by free world volunteers. They made me an honorary steward to work the four-day event where they spent the days crying with me and sharing Christ's love when I needed it the most.

In Romans 12:4-5, Paul tells us that as believers in Jesus, we are each a member of Christ's body on earth. We have a specific role and function in the body, and just like our own physical body, when one part is injured, the whole body feels the pain.

Jesus used my fellow brothers in Christ to reveal just how much He loved me and to tell me that I am not alone in life. Further, He showed just how vital our roles are as Jesus' arms of love reaching out to a fallen world. Each of us has a purpose and a role in carrying out God's plan in this world. Our role is unique, and God gives us the talents necessary to fulfill His will.

Jesus told a parable concerning this in Matthew 25:24-30, where He compared Himself to a man entrusting his wealth to servants. The faithful servants were the ones who used their talents to increase the master's estate. Then they were rewarded or chastised based on their diligence and wisdom. They labored expectantly waiting for their master’s return.

How easy it is for us to be distracted and forget that our Master will soon return. Life gets busy. Our days are spent working just to pay the bills and to put food on the table. We end up neglecting our role as Jesus' body and the purpose that Jesus has for us. We often complain that this world is a big mess and blame God. But I believe that we each have played a part in its current condition. If we simply fulfilled our roles, the world would be a much better place.
The news reveals that crime is out of control and the homeless are taking over the alleys, sidewalks, and parks. It is a major problem, but we often fail to go out to show them God's love and to teach them a better way. We could volunteer by helping to feed the homeless in the shelters or church kitchens, to serve as volunteers in the various prison ministries like Kairos. God has given us abilities to serve Him, and we must ask ourselves if we are using these gifts wisely.

God calls us to be His arms of love. Ask yourself, are His arms reaching? If not, reach out.