Continue to remember those in prison as if you were together with them in prison, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering.

— Hebrews 13:3

Debbie Zeigler brings greeting cards to church for members to sign for incarcerated family members of Roseland Christian Ministries. Most are African American men—some young, some old.

If you haven’t explored the connections between slavery and mass incarceration in the United States, you may want to research this challenging topic. I’ve written about this before, and I continue to believe that God desires that we do better in our society. People are not meant to waste away in prison cells.

While personal responsibility is essential, we all share moral responsibility for the societies we help to create. The Jewish theologian Abraham Joshua Heschel noted that in matters of social injustice, “Few are guilty, but all are responsible.” As followers of Christ, we are called to build better communities through our schools, churches, and businesses. We are part of the human family, God’s creation, and we must reflect God’s love and justice.

By signing those cards at church, we recognize that no one is beyond the reach of grace—and we are called to stand with people whom society mistreats and forgets. How can we stand with these brothers and sisters today?

Lord, guide us to build communities that reflect your compassion and justice, and to stand with people who are mistreated and forgotten. In Jesus, Amen.