Day 9

Mercy

READ

Psalm 25:5-7 (NIV)

REFLECT

I’m sure you’ve heard of the saying “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks!” I will admit that as we get older it can become more difficult to learn new ways of doing things. But as David asks the Lord to guide him and teach him, we too must have a teachable spirit. This does not mean we have to be scholars, but it does mean we must allow God to show us His ways.

When we approach God with a humble and teachable spirit, He pours out His mercy and love upon us. He forgives us and gives us the guidance to continue. As practitioners or those seeking to serve survivors of human trafficking, it is important to be humble and to learn from those who have experienced exploitation. We must be teachable, and open to, becoming allies alongside victims and survivors, we are molded in the process of helping those in dire circumstances. We learn about resiliency and hope. Through humility we can be reflective of Christ’s love for His people, through action we can demonstrate his call for justice, and through out walk with Him, we can show mercy.

RESPOND

In Western Pennsylvania, we are providing direct case management to victims of human trafficking as well as assisting counties in building-up service coordination for when victims are identified in their communities. Many of the people we support through case management have gone through so much trauma that they begin to lose hope. As we work with them, we show them that there is an unconditional support for them. We seek to demonstrate the love of Christ to each person we encounter so that they see their worth and can experience mercy, love and respect.

RECEIVE

Pray that God might reveal to you an areas of your life in which you are holding back from him, that you can surrender those areas of your life which may be preventing you from receiving God’s mercy and love. Pray for a teachable spirit. Pray for humility and to seek God’s guidance in how to effectively reach those who are suffering in our midst, so they may receive our help and the mercy of Christ.