The author of Hebrews encourages us to practice mentalization with our fellow Christians when he writes: "Remember those who are in captivity as if you were their fellow prisoners, and those who are being mistreated, just as you yourselves also have a body" (Heb 13:3). Mentalization is the ability to also see, feel and understand the situation from the other person's perspective.
It is one of the most challenging statements because it involves us completely. Sure, I am affected when I see or hear about prisoners in unfair conditions in the media. But what Hebrews is exhorting is to be as-if fellow prisoner with heart, mind and body.
In my prayer for imprisoned Christians, I have to imagine myself sitting with them in their cell. I will continue to pray for them, but I also pray with them!
The author of Hebrews specifically mentions those who are mistreated. How glad I have often been for the distance the television screen and remote control give me from the torture that the media reports. Hebrews wants me to remember (pray for, - to the extent possible - care for and advocate for) the abused. My remembrance must be entirely corporal. I must remember with my body. Imagine if it was my body that was subjected to the abuse that my brothers and sisters around the world are subjected to! What does that thought do to my prayer and commitment?
I fall short in my mentalization. In return: I pray to him who has experienced imprisonment and mistreatment firsthand. I ask him to be my fellow Christian's fellow prisoner!
Dan Månsson is a counselor in Agape
