Surviving Prison and Turning Your Life Around
Unconditional Love
Sometimes we may feel our sins are too big for anyone to love us again—including God. However, He promises His love for you never fails or ends.
In today’s story, Pastor Jeff Osborne shares how he found God’s love while incarcerated in L.A. County Jail during one of the century’s biggest race riots. Let’s dive in.
Words of Hope:
“God loves each of us as if there were only one of us.”
― St. Augustine
LIFE
In part 1 of this 3-part series on Relentless Hope, Jeff shares how his life transforms through God’s unconditional love. Having been incarcerated in L.A. County Jail and spending three-month stints in solitary confinement, he finds himself at his lowest point with nothing left but his Bible. Through this difficult time, he learned that God still loved him and was with him all along. This leads to a deeper understanding that God loves us unconditionally despite our mistakes and need for acceptance. Pastor Jeff exemplified this lesson when he looked past his inmates’ hard exteriors to show them God’s love, which ultimately changed their lives forever. Even amid the darkest moments of our lives, we can find freedom in God, who sees us for who we truly are—worthy of His immeasurable love.
LEADERSHIP
In part 2 of our 3-part series, Pastor Jeff teaches us that leadership comes with sacrifice. It often requires us to humble ourselves and give up our desires for the betterment of those we lead. Leadership can also hurt, leading to broken relationships and heavy hearts, but God always gives us the strength to heal and lead from a place of love. He blesses us with spiritual gifts and leads us into positions that will help others, resulting in greater rewards than we could ever imagine.
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LEGACY
In the final part of our 3-part series, Jeff shares how to leave a legacy in the hearts of those he touches by teaching three powerful words: live, love, and inspire. He challenges people to live fully, love unconditionally, and encourage others daily. He believes that a life of serving others is the greatest legacy one can leave—not selfish gain or personal glory. Jeff encourages us to look at our faults, weaknesses, and skeletons in our closets to take one small step toward changing and becoming healthier daily, planting seeds in others’ hearts so they may reap the harvest.
Scripture to reflect on:?
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
– John 3:16
Closing prayer for Jeff’s story:
Dear Lord, thank You for always walking with me—even through all my mistakes and sins. You have supported, loved, and shown me kindness, compassion, and mercy. Please help me to love others the way You love me. In Jesus’ Name, amen.
We’d love to hear how this message impacts your life! Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Listen to the podcast here:
Senior Data Analytics and Business Reporting Lead
2 年Even when God seemed to have abandoned me, he was watching. Even when He seemed indifferent to my suffering, He was watching and when I was beyond all hope, he gave me peace and rest.