Living Out Mercy: A Call to Action

Summary

Mercy is the word that has been on my heart, and today I want to invite you to consider what it means to truly live out mercy in a world that desperately needs it. My own journey has been shaped by moments of loss, camaraderie, and unexpected healing—reminding me that God often uses community and fellowship to restore us when we are crushed. Through stories of friendship, like my high school buddy Eric who built a business on faith and servant leadership, I’ve seen how God calls us to use our unique talents and experiences for the good of others. Each of us is given opportunities and resources, and with that comes the responsibility to act, especially when confronted with the suffering of others.

The issue of human trafficking is a darkness that persists not just globally, but right here in our own communities. It is a modern form of slavery, affecting children and adults, men and women, and it thrives in the shadows of our cities and towns. Scripture calls us to speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, to defend the rights of the poor and needy, and to remember that whatever we do for the least of these, we do for Christ Himself. This is not a problem that can be ignored or left to someone else; it requires each of us to take even the smallest step—whether through prayer, raising awareness, supporting organizations, or simply being attentive to the needs around us.

Organizations like Lantern Rescue and others are on the front lines, rescuing victims, pursuing perpetrators, and—most importantly—caring for the long-term healing of those who have been hurt. The work is dangerous, gritty, and often thankless, but it is the kind of work that reflects the heart of God. We are called not just to be aware, but to be advocates, to make this issue part of our church culture, and to use our influence, however small, to bring light into the darkness.

God has given each of us talents, networks, and resources—not for our own comfort, but so that we might be bold in standing up for justice and mercy. The challenge is not to sit on our hands, but to move, even if it’s just a mustard seed of action. When we do, we become part of God’s answer to the suffering in our world, and we reflect His mercy to those who need it most.

Key Takeaways

- Mercy is not passive; it is an active response to the suffering of others. When we experience God’s mercy, we are compelled to extend it, even when it means stepping into uncomfortable or unfamiliar territory. True mercy requires us to move beyond awareness and into action, trusting that God will use even our smallest efforts for His purposes. [01:22:05]

- God often prepares us for significant moments of service through the ordinary and even painful experiences of our lives. The relationships, skills, and networks we develop are not accidental—they are tools God intends for us to use in bringing hope and healing to others. Recognizing this, we must ask ourselves how we are stewarding what God has entrusted to us. [01:34:21]

- The fight against human trafficking is not just for specialists or law enforcement; it is a calling for every believer. Scripture commands us to speak up for the voiceless and to defend the oppressed, reminding us that justice is a core part of our faith. Even small acts—prayer, sharing information, supporting organizations—can have a ripple effect in pushing back darkness. [01:31:52]

- Healing for victims of trafficking is a long and difficult journey, often overlooked in the rush to rescue and prosecute. The church is uniquely positioned to provide ongoing care, community, and restoration for those who have been wounded. Our commitment must extend beyond the initial rescue to walking alongside survivors as they rebuild their lives. [01:52:56]

- God’s call to action is not about heroics, but about faithfulness with what we have. When we feel overwhelmed by the magnitude of the problem, we remember that God multiplies our efforts and that every act of mercy matters. The challenge is to resist apathy, to make this issue personal, and to trust that God’s light is greater than any darkness we face. [02:03:20]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[01:22:05] - Mercy and Community: Stories of Healing
[01:28:18] - Faith, Friendship, and Servant Leadership
[01:31:52] - The Call to Action: Human Trafficking Awareness
[01:34:21] - God’s Preparation Through Life’s Journey
[01:40:15] - The Reality of Human Trafficking in Our Backyard
[01:43:33] - Michigan’s Role and Local Impact
[01:45:24] - Awareness and Church Culture
[01:47:15] - Making a Difference: Steps for Individuals and Churches
[01:50:32] - National and Local Resources
[01:52:56] - Lantern Rescue: Advocacy and Healing
[01:55:56] - Pursuing Perpetrators and Rescuing Victims
[01:57:34] - Stories from the Front Lines
[01:58:52] - The Cost and Courage of Rescue
[02:03:20] - Closing Reflections and Prayer

Study Guide

Small Group Bible Study Guide: Living Out Mercy in a Hurting World

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### Bible Reading

Isaiah 61:1 (ESV)
> The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me, because the LORD has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound.

Proverbs 31:8-9 (ESV)
> Open your mouth for the mute, for the rights of all who are destitute. Open your mouth, judge righteously, defend the rights of the poor and needy.

Matthew 25:40 (ESV)
> And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’

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### Observation Questions

1. According to Isaiah 61:1, what are some of the specific actions God calls His people to do for those who are suffering?
2. In Proverbs 31:8-9, who are we told to speak up for, and what does it mean to “judge righteously” in this context?
3. The sermon mentioned that mercy is not passive, but an active response. What are some examples from the sermon of people using their talents or networks to help others? [[01:28:18]]
4. What does Jesus say in Matthew 25:40 about serving “the least of these,” and how does that connect to the issue of human trafficking discussed in the sermon? [[01:31:52]]

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### Interpretation Questions

1. The sermon described mercy as something that moves us beyond awareness into action. Why do you think God wants us to act, not just feel compassion? [[01:22:05]]
2. The speaker shared how God uses ordinary and even painful experiences to prepare us for service. How might your own life experiences be equipping you to help others? [[01:34:21]]
3. The fight against human trafficking was described as a calling for every believer, not just specialists. What does it look like for a church community to “make this issue part of our culture”? [[01:47:15]]
4. The sermon emphasized that healing for victims is a long journey and that the church is uniquely positioned to help. Why might ongoing care and community be so important for survivors? [[01:52:56]]

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### Application Questions

1. The sermon challenged us not to “sit on our hands” but to take even a mustard seed of action. What is one small, specific step you could take this week to respond to the issue of human trafficking—whether through prayer, raising awareness, or supporting an organization? [[01:31:52]]
2. The speaker talked about using our unique talents, networks, and resources for the good of others. What is one talent or resource you have that God might want you to use to show mercy or seek justice? [[01:34:21]]
3. Sometimes the scale of problems like human trafficking can feel overwhelming. When you feel like your efforts are too small to matter, how can you remind yourself that “God multiplies our efforts and every act of mercy matters”? [[02:03:20]]
4. The sermon mentioned that healing for victims is often overlooked after the initial rescue. How could you or your small group be part of ongoing care or support for survivors in your community? [[01:52:56]]
5. The speaker shared personal stories of loss, camaraderie, and healing through community. When have you experienced God’s mercy through others, and how might you offer that same kind of support to someone else? [[01:22:05]]
6. The sermon encouraged making justice and mercy part of our church culture. What is one way our group or church could keep this issue in front of us, so it doesn’t get forgotten? [[01:47:15]]
7. The speaker said, “Much is given, much is required.” What is one area of your life where you sense God is asking you to be more faithful or bold in showing mercy? [[01:34:21]]

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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Pray for God to open your eyes to the needs around you, to give you courage to act, and to use your group as a light in the darkness for those who are suffering.

Devotional

Day 1: Proclaiming Freedom and Comfort to the Oppressed
God calls us to bring good news, comfort the brokenhearted, and proclaim freedom to those held captive, embodying His heart for justice and mercy. In a world filled with suffering and injustice, it is easy to feel overwhelmed or unsure of how to respond. Yet, God’s Spirit empowers each of us to step into the pain of others, to be present with those who are hurting, and to actively seek the liberation of those who are oppressed. Whether through prayer, advocacy, or tangible acts of service, you are invited to participate in God’s mission of restoration and hope, trusting that even small acts of compassion can bring light into the darkest places. [01:31:52]

Isaiah 61:1 (ESV)
"The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound."

Reflection: Who in your life or community is experiencing brokenness or captivity, and how can you intentionally bring comfort or hope to them this week?


Day 2: Speaking Up for the Voiceless and Defending the Vulnerable
We are commanded to open our mouths for those who cannot speak for themselves, ensuring justice for the poor and needy. There are countless people in our world who suffer in silence—those whose pain is ignored, whose rights are trampled, and whose voices are drowned out by indifference or fear. God’s people are called to be advocates, to use their influence and resources to defend the rights of the vulnerable and to stand against injustice wherever it is found. This is not a passive calling; it requires courage, empathy, and a willingness to step into uncomfortable spaces for the sake of others. [01:32:30]

Proverbs 31:8-9 (ESV)
"Open your mouth for the mute, for the rights of all who are destitute. Open your mouth, judge righteously, defend the rights of the poor and needy."

Reflection: What is one practical way you can use your voice or resources this week to advocate for someone who is overlooked or marginalized?


Day 3: Serving Jesus by Serving the Least
Every act of kindness and justice done for the least among us is received by Jesus Himself as a personal gift of love. When we serve those who are suffering, forgotten, or exploited, we are not just performing good deeds—we are encountering Christ in disguise. This truth transforms the way we see others and motivates us to act, knowing that our compassion and advocacy are sacred acts of worship. No effort is too small, and every step taken to help another is a step taken toward Jesus. [01:33:10]

Matthew 25:40 (ESV)
"And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’"

Reflection: Who is “the least of these” in your daily context, and how can you serve them today as if you were serving Jesus Himself?


Day 4: Using Your God-Given Talents and Networks for Good
God entrusts each of us with unique talents, experiences, and relationships, expecting us to use them boldly for the good of others and the advancement of His kingdom. It is easy to underestimate the impact of your own story, skills, or connections, but God weaves together every part of your journey for a purpose. When you offer your gifts—whether in business, leadership, creativity, or simple acts of kindness—He multiplies their effect, opening doors for healing, justice, and transformation in the lives of others. The call is not to perfection, but to faithful action with what you have been given. [01:34:21]

1 Peter 4:10 (ESV)
"As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace."

Reflection: What is one specific talent, resource, or relationship God has given you that you can intentionally use this week to make a difference for someone in need?


Day 5: Taking Small Steps to Make a Big Difference
No effort is too small in the fight against injustice; even the smallest act, done in faith, can spark change and inspire others to join in God’s work. The problems of the world can feel insurmountable, but God does not ask us to solve everything at once. Instead, He invites us to take the next faithful step—whether it’s learning more, praying, sharing information, supporting a cause, or simply caring deeply about an issue. As each person does their part, the collective impact grows, and hope is kindled in places of darkness. [01:47:15]

Galatians 6:9 (ESV)
"And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up."

Reflection: What is one small, concrete action you can take today to address an injustice or need you’ve become aware of, trusting God to multiply your effort?

Quotes

When God puts something on your heart, a lot of times you think you're going to dive right into it. Are you going to embrace it? But you get caught up in the sauce. You run around, you live your life. You, it is an important part of you, but like Pastor Keira said, until you finally give everything to something, you, you skirt around it. You don't totally give it to God. You're like, I'll get to this God, or this is important, or I just don't know what to do, but I'll keep kind of nibbling at it, right? And God doesn't want us to nibble, right? He wants us to dive right in, enjoy the full buffet of his love, his full buffet of his, his mercy and grace, right? [01:25:44] (34 seconds)  #DiveFullyInFaith Edit Clip

And I say, God, I just, how, how am I going to be able to, how can I be like him? Right. Cause we all, you know, everybody wants to have their, their leaders. They want to have their, their people to look up to, whether it be sports, sport, their sports fan or their movies or all these other people that we think are really cool, but they're not. And at the end of the day, these are the people that we should look to honor. These are guys that are making differences in their community. They're, they're growing their businesses and they're giving back to the people that they hire. And they're also living a ministry while they do it. [01:30:38] (29 seconds)  #HonorTrueLeaders Edit Clip

It just takes one move. It takes one connection, a desire to be a hero. Just do something. Find something that comes upon your heart and just get engaged, you know, get a support. It could be financial. It can be, it can just be passing the word around. Get social media. Just, you see something that's important, take that time, put it to 10 of your friends. [01:33:54] (18 seconds)  #GrassrootsChangeMatters Edit Clip

And then being able to have a reputation of trust and I'm not perfect. I'm not going to believe me, I'm fallible. I make massive errors every day and I, I ask God for forgiveness, but he also gives me that mercy and grace and he continues to tell me to walk forward, to be bold and to use those relationships, to tie into those people who trust me and will listen to what I have to say and take it, you know, as advice or take it to heart. [01:35:36] (27 seconds)  #GraceInImperfection Edit Clip

Because what much is given, much is expected. Right. And God gives you these talents and we all heard the talent story and it gets confusing, but that's the biggest thing that convicts me all the time is God's given me so many talents. And it's not just being able to juggle with one hand and tell jokes about rich, but he's given me massive, massive things. And it's, there's so many times where I don't think it's the enemy. It's me being real saying, God, you know, the Holy Spirit's convicting me saying, Hey, what are we doing with this? You know, what are you doing? [01:36:40] (29 seconds)  #TalentsWithPurpose Edit Clip

But I also know that I've watched the ascension of our, our family and my life. And I go, God has never given me more than I can handle. He's always, sometimes I'm like, yeah, I'm ready. Let's go. Let's get to, let's get a private jet and let's get these people. Let's start talking to people. And my wife knows that I take on way too much stuff and I got to chill out. But again, much is given, much is required. And I say that to you and all your life, everything that you guys do, we all have stuff and we all have things that we're trying to get done and we all have our goals. [01:37:11] (29 seconds)  #OneMoveOneHero Edit Clip

If it's not dollars and cents and some politician's not going to get elected, there's no way they're going to take our tax dollars and pour it into something that doesn't get them reelected. And that's sad to say, but it takes grassroots, it takes a church like this to make those things happen. And then you have to do it. Again, mustard seed, you have to put that in, you have to do that. So you're an example for other pieces and other churches and other places that can come here and go, look at this, look at the success, look at what these people are doing. And it doesn't have to be perfect, it just has to be a start. It has to be in, it's in God's name and it's for his people. [01:42:04] (34 seconds)  #SmallStepsBigImpact Edit Clip

``No effort is too small. No action is in vain. One life, one advocate, one soldier at a time will bring an end to this. That's how it happens, right? It takes everyone to just take a step forward. Look at scripture. Get in a prayer group. Use prayer on your own. Strength in numbers, right? Right? That's what we need. [01:46:50] (19 seconds)  #MakeItPersonalCulture Edit Clip

And I just wanted to show you that there is light, there is forces for good. There are ways for you to make a difference. So, you know, God's so much bigger than what's happening here. And when you can't just be the voice, we got to, our hands are also have to be the voice for God, right? So I need that. I'm not looking around for everybody for a commitment. I just, I just pray and I'm going to close this in prayer, but I just pray that I've done a little bit to make you think about it and a little bit to help support it and done a little bit to help push the desire here at the barn to help others that have been trafficked. [02:03:32] (36 seconds)  #HandsAsVoices Edit Clip