Day 11

Compassion

READ

Exodus 34:5-7 (NIV)

REFLECT

We are reminded in this scripture how our Yahweh God is a merciful Father, full of compassion and hope for a new day and way—showing His love and forgiveness even when we mess up. After he had given Moses and the Israelites the 10 commandment, written by God Himself, the people began worshiping idols and were already turning from Him to worthless things. Moses reacted in anger towards them, and in haste, destroyed the tablets written by Heaven’s hands. “When Moses approached the camp and saw the calf and the dancing, his anger burned and he threw the tablets out of his hands, breaking them to pieces at the foot of the mountain” (Exodus 32:19).

Moses messed up and the Israelites messed up, but in the Scripture we find Moses (on behalf of the Israelites) was invited into God’s Presence once again, where he received a do-over, and was given the 10 commandments once again. God comes down to him, stands with him and embraces him in heaven’s cloud of mercy and grace. We all mess up and we all need the Fathers mercy and compassion. In love He wants us to come close to Him receive his compassion anew. He will forgive, and hand us not a fresh empty slate, but one with purpose and hope. The mention of His name and the embrace of His love is a legacy of compassion and hope for all.

RESPOND

The Salvation Army in Philadelphia ventured out to run a full-time drop in center on Kensington Avenue. The center is a safe, trauma informed, welcoming and non-judgmental space for women suffering from sex-trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation in the Kensington neighborhood of Philadelphia.

Strategically located in the heart of the neighborhood, a simple sign on the door reading, “women only drop-in: food, clothing, toiletries” identifies the center, which is open during the day and two late nights per week, when other service agencies are not available. Staff work to build rapport with individuals who have had their trust violated and are trained to look for human trafficking red flags, as well as how to address the women’s specialized psychological, social, emotional and physical needs. In addition to the physical drop-in center space, The Salvation Army provides an array of case management services. Staff, interns and volunteers are also trained in trauma-informed care and are a consistent presence in the community. News of the center travels largely by word of mouth and through street outreach teams.

RECEIVE

Pray for those who are receiving care and compassion in places like The New Day Drop in Center. Ask the Lord to bless those in these places of care. Pray that they will be safe and that they will have the provisions needed. Pray that the God’s Word and forgiveness will bring about a transformation from painful trauma to hope through compassion.