Day 10

Compassion

READ

Luke 10: 25-37 (NIV)

REFLECT

Awareness is a prerequisite to compassion and compassion is vital to transformative acts of mercy. The parable of the Good Samaritan illustrates three different types of human responses to awareness of suffering, and can shed light on our community response to our brothers and sisters who are being trafficked. The Bible does not explicitly say whether the first two men felt compassion for the beat up man, and simply walked by, too busy to stop and help, or if they just didn’t care. If we assume that they may have felt compassion, what does that say about their inaction at the very least? Sometimes, we feel compassion on those we see suffering but we cross the road, or turn away, hoping to move on with our individual responsibilities. The third man, a Samaritan, reminds us that we have everything we need to show mercy and to respond to those who are suffering around us. Maybe the first two men who passed reflect the majority of society today, whereby, we are too overwhelmed by all the suffering we see in our world and simply keep walking, trying to ignore the very person next to us that needs our help. However, Jesus invites us to move from a state of awareness and inaction, to being ministers of mercy. The Good Samaritan helped the man heal his wounds, he used his animal for transportation, and resources to pay for the man’s shelter. Interestingly, he was able to help and yet go on with his responsibilities. How can we translate this to our own lives?

RESPOND

What gifts has God given you to minister healing and restoration to survivors? Have you considered that your own pain or experiences of injustice may qualify you to help, like the Samaritan? Consider joining a local outreach to vulnerable populations and learning what’s being done in your area to fight human trafficking. The Lord will provide everything you need, including time! In New Jersey we are developing a comprehensive response to human trafficking. We’ve served survivors from our soup kitchens, food pantries, shelters and case management. Please join us in prayer as we ask The Lord for guidance and resources to minister healing and restoration to those we encounter.

RECEIVE

Lord, my heart breaks for my brothers and sisters and now you’ve called me to action, show me what I can do to be a beacon of light, hope and mercy to those who are experiencing exploitation.