Why Should We Show Compassion to the Incarcerated?

Chris Corradino
May 26, 2025
4 min read

Updated: May 29, 2025

Hebrews 13:3 calls believers to remember those in prison, but that can be challenging—especially when the crimes are severe. This post explores why showing compassion to the incarcerated is a Gospel-centered act of grace, and how you can get involved in meaningful, practical ways.

You may be wondering, why should we care about people in prison—especially those who’ve committed terrible crimes?

Let’s start with this powerful reminder from Scripture:

“Remember those who are in prison, as though in prison with them, and those who are mistreated, since you also are in the body.” — Hebrews 13:3 (ESV)

That verse doesn’t come with caveats. It doesn’t say “Remember those who are in prison—unless they’re guilty of something awful.” It simply says remember them. As if you were there with them.

That’s a hard command. Let’s be honest about that.

It’s one thing to have compassion for someone who’s been wrongfully convicted. But what about someone who did commit the crime? Someone who caused real harm, maybe even unspeakable pain?

This is where the radical nature of the Gospel confronts us.

Grace Isn’t Earned—So We Don’t Get to Decide Who Deserves It

At the heart of our faith is this: none of us deserved grace. Romans 5:8 says that “while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Not when we got our act together. Not when we proved we were sorry enough. While we were still guilty. Still broken.

So when we struggle to love the incarcerated—especially those who seem the least deserving—we are actually being invited into a deeper understanding of God’s grace.

Grace isn’t just a warm, fuzzy feeling. It’s gritty. It’s costly. And it reaches into places we might rather avoid—including prison cells.

But How Can We Show Compassion to the Incarcerated?

You don’t have to be a prison chaplain to make a difference. There are small, faithful ways you can live out Hebrews 13:3, right from where you are. Here are a few:

1. Write Letters to Inmates

This is one of the most practical and powerful ways to show love to someone behind bars. A letter can be a lifeline—a reminder that they are not forgotten, not beyond hope.

Organizations like Christian Pen Pals or Write a Prisoner help connect people with inmates who are seeking friendship, encouragement, and prayer.

Letter writing isn’t about fixing someone. It’s about being present. Listening. Sharing Scripture. Reflecting the heart of Christ.

2. Support Ministries That Serve Prisoners

There are incredible organizations doing redemptive work in prisons. One that stands out is Send Musicians to Prison. This nonprofit sends talented musicians into correctional facilities across the U.S. to perform live shows and bring messages of hope and restoration.

Their mission? To remind inmates that they are seen and loved—and that creativity and beauty still have a place in their lives.

Through music, relationships are built. Hearts are softened. And the Gospel gets heard in ways that words alone sometimes can’t express.

You can support their work through donations, volunteering, or simply by spreading the word about what they do.

3. Pray

This might sound simple—but don’t underestimate it. Pray for inmates. For correctional officers. For chaplains. For families affected by incarceration on both sides.

Prayer reorients our hearts, softens our judgment, and invites God to work in places we can’t reach.

Loving the Incarcerated Doesn’t Excuse Sin—But It Does Reflect the Cross

Some people hesitate to get involved because they think showing compassion might somehow excuse what someone’s done. But here’s the thing: the Gospel never minimizes sin—it pays for it.

Jesus didn’t ignore our wrongdoing. He took it on Himself.

When we remember prisoners, we’re not saying, “What you did doesn’t matter.” We’re saying, “What Jesus did matters more.”

That’s the message the world needs to hear. And that’s the message prisoners need too.

Frequently Asked Questions

Isn’t this risky?

Most of the opportunities mentioned—like letter writing or supporting prison ministries—are low-risk and done through trusted organizations with clear safety guidelines. You’re not walking into a prison cell; you’re offering encouragement from a distance, with oversight.

What if they’re not sorry?

Compassion isn’t conditional on someone’s remorse. We show grace because we’ve received it, not because the other person has “earned” it. It’s God who transforms hearts—our role is to reflect His love.

Does this mean we ignore justice?

Not at all. Grace and justice are not opposites in the Kingdom of God. Showing compassion doesn’t erase consequences; it acknowledges the humanity of the person within the consequences.

What if I don’t feel qualified?

You don’t have to be a Bible scholar or a prison expert. Just being willing to listen, write, pray, or give is enough. God uses ordinary people to bring extraordinary hope.

This moving rendition brings a message of hope and redemption to those behind bars, illustrating that no one is beyond the reach of God's love.

Final Thought

If Hebrews 13:3 makes you uncomfortable, maybe that’s the point. Maybe it’s supposed to stretch us. Challenge us. Remind us that love isn't always safe or simple—but it is always worth it.

Because when we remember those in prison, we are remembering Jesus Himself—who was arrested, beaten, and crucified unjustly… and yet forgave us anyway.

So yes, showing compassion to the incarcerated can be hard. But it’s also holy.

Resources to Take the Next Step: