Messages, Quotes and Words of Encouragement for Those in Jail

By design, going to jail is not a pleasurable experience at all.  A person who commits a crime is arrested, locked behind iron bars and their simple liberties and freedoms are taken away for a specific time.  No doubt being in jail can be a lonely experience and difficult for someone who is away from their family and friends for an extended number of days, months, or even years. 

If you have never had a loved one in jail, it may be challenging to know what to say to someone locked away.  But I encourage you to write or call them anyway and visit them. 

You can’t go wrong if speaking from the heart. You don’t need to condone what they have done, but they need your support to get through the tough time, hopefully for the better.

Your encouragement will remind them that they have a better situation waiting on them on the outside, forgiveness is possible and to never give up. 

What are Words of Encouragement?

Words of encouragement are a lifeline to inmates  Additionally, words of encouragement let a person know that someone sees what they are going through.  When we are discouraged, we often feel alone in our plight and feel like no one understands the struggle we are navigating through. 

Encouraging words instill courage and build confidence in someone who has lost it. 

Many of you lose confidence due to fear, but the says, but the right words of inspiration says, “Keep going.  Something better is on the way!” 

I often say, “It is hard to gauge the status of the war from the front lines.”  Do you remember the battles we read about in our American History books in school?  Many of the battles were fought on hills and valleys. 

In some battles, the generals would stand on the hills while the soldiers fought hand to hand down below.  The generals of the armies could see if their army was winning or losing the battle because of their perspective from on top of the hill.  The soldiers below could only see the adversity standing right before them. 

When we encourage others, we do so from a perspective that we see a better outcome for someone than they can for themselves… because they are limited by the issue they are wrestling with right in front of them. 

Your kind words and reassurance give them hope to believe that everything will work out and that they have someone willing to help them rebuild the broken pieces of their lives.

 41 Words of Encouragement for Someone in Jail

In times of trouble, heartfelt messages of support can inspire inmates to find hope and embrace personal growth.

These messages offer encouragement, reminding them that better days are ahead, even in their darkest times. Through self-reflection, these words aim to uplift and motivate those facing challenges behind bars.

1. This is your time to regroup and bounce back better.
2. This setback is a setup for an amazing comeback in your life.
3. “Fear makes the wolf bigger than it is.” – German Proverb
4. “Whatever the mind of man can conceive and believe, it can achieve.” – Napoleon Hill
5. I will always be here for you to support you. You are not alone.
6. This is just another amazing chapter to your story. When it is told, it will be liberating to many people.
7. I am here to help you put the broken pieces of your life back together. You have my unwavering support.
8. You are greater than what you see now in your current season of life.
9. I cannot wait to see you again. We will barbecue, have a bonfire, and invite the whole family over.
10. Experience is a great teacher, so you have learned a lot.

11. We all have our darkest moments. This is yours.
12. We are not going to dwell on the past; it’s over. Instead, let’s focus on what happens next; that is the fun part.
13. I want you to know you are thought of with love.
14. I can’t wait to see you. I have missed being with you, and I love you.
15. You are one of the strongest and most resilient people I know. You can overcome anything.
16. I know you feel bad now, but remember, all hard times come to an end.
17. I don’t know what is on your mind but remember this too shall pass.
18. There is no judgment from me. I want to see you happy and doing well. That time will come sooner than you may think.
19. “When one door of happiness closes, another opens, but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one that has been opened for us.” – Helen Keller
20. “Remember no one can make you feel inferior without your consent.” – Eleanor Roosevelt

Remember no one can make you feel inferior without your consent.” – Eleanor Roosevelt

21. The best revenge you can get on anyone is to live well and succeed despite the obstacles.
22. You are not just meant to survive life and jail but to thrive in life and change the world.
23. The best way to prove them wrong is to do better.
24. “Change your thoughts, and you change your world.” – Norman Vincent Peale
25. I know things are not good right now, but I want you to know I am always here for you.
26. You don’t think anyone believes you are innocent, but I do and will help you prove it.
27. “More people are watching you than clapping for you. But more people are inspired by you than they will ever let you know. Be encouraged.” – Jay Patrick
28. “I am not a product of my circumstances. I am a product of my decisions.” – Stephen Covey
29. All is not wasted; this is a time for you to heal, grow, and thrive.

30. You are under a lot of pressure, but things will work out. Diamonds are coal that has been under tremendous pressure.
31. “We know what we are, but know not what we may be.” – William Shakespeare
32. “The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” – Deuteronomy 31:8
33. “It doesn’t matter who you are, where you come from. The ability to triumph begins with you. Always.” –Oprah Winfrey
34. “Fall seven times, stand up eight.”– Japanese Proverb
35. “There is no better feeling in the world than to go from feeling bad to feeling better.” – Stephen A. Pegues
36. Don’t focus on the bad that has happened but focus on the good things that you can do for others from now on.
37. Things may be dark now, but this is how you discover the light within to show you the way.
38. The best version of yourself has yet to be on display.

39. Adversity is the soil for the seed of your full potential to grow and blossom.
40. “I’ve prayed for you in particular that you not give in or give out. When you have come through the time of testing, turn to your companions and give them a fresh start.” – Luke 22:32
41. “Don’t spend time beating on a wall, hoping to transform it into a door.” – Coco Chanel

10 Bible Quotes to Offer Support To Inmates

In times of hardship, the Bible offers unwavering support and a refuge for the soul, providing comfort and hope to those who seek it.

For inmates facing the challenges of incarceration, these carefully selected Bible verses from Matthew, Corinthians, Psalms, Isaiah, James, and Romans can serve as a beacon of light, reminding them of God’s enduring love and the promise of triumph over adversity. Let these words inspire strength and peace in the heart.

1. Matthew 11:28
   Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
2. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
   Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles.
3. Psalm 23:4
   Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
4. Isaiah 40:31
   But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary.
5. James 1:2-3
   Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.
6. Romans 8:28
   And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
7. Psalm 34:18
   The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
8. Matthew 5:4
   Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
9. Isaiah 41:10
   So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you.
10. Romans 15:13
    May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Final Thoughts on 41 Words of Encouragement for Someone in Jail

Time in jail can be challenging.  Many prisoners spend time reliving the details of their crimes in their minds.  As a result, they feel great remorse and guilt.  This can lead them to experience depression. 

Combine that with being in a confined space for an extended period of time.  Then being away from loved ones and surrounded by others in jail who may be violent.  Any of these scenarios can cause someone to become insecure and spend most of their time in prison, living in fear and considering giving up. 

Furthermore, being in jail can cause someone to lose self-confidence and their mind.  They may also lack sleep or an appetite due to the environment of being in this type of confinement. 

So, your encouragement and life-giving words might help take a person’s mind off the dark and depressing situation, enabling them to see the light at the end of the tunnel where a new opportunity begins.

See more heartfelt messages of support for a challenging time: