It may surprise you to learn that some of Jesus’ strongest words were directed at hypocrites — those who claimed to believe in God and follow Him, but in reality were only fakes. He said, “Woe to you,… you hypocrites!… full of greed and self-indulgence” (Matthew 23:25).

Just because some of your fellow prisoners apparently have an insincere faith doesn’t mean all Christians do, or that Jesus Christ can’t change your life. This is why I urge you to look at Jesus Christ, and not just at those who claim to be His followers. Get a Bible and begin reading about Jesus in one of the Gospels (I suggest you begin with John).

Even the most sincere and dedicated Christian is imperfect, but Jesus Christ is not, for He was God in human form, who came down from heaven to save us from sin’s power. He did this by willingly giving His life for us through His death on the cross. Now He offers forgiveness and salvation to all who repent of their sins and invite Him to come into their lives. The Bible says, “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1).

The greatest discovery you’ll ever make is that God loves you, and that Christ can free you from sin’s power. Don’t let anything — your cynicism, your anger, your sin, or anything else — keep you from Jesus Christ. “In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins” (Ephesians 1:7).