Called to Love: Choosing Agape This February

"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails." 1 Cor. 13:4-8a

In February, advertisers spend millions to turn our thoughts to turn to love. Hearts, flowers, and romance may fill our social media feeds and store shelves, but God compels us to reflect on a deeper, more enduring love, the kind that moves beyond sentiment and into action.

God’s love is not passive. It is sacrificial, protective, and fiercely just. Scripture points us to agape love, the selfless, sacrificial love God has for humanity. That love is patient and kind; it does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. Agape love is not based on emotion or convenience. It is steady, intentional, and willing to step into hard places for the good of others. When we view love through this lens, it becomes impossible to overlook the reality of human trafficking where people are treated as commodities rather than image-bearers of God.

Human trafficking is, at its core, a violation of love. It strips individuals of dignity, safety, and freedom. And yet, God’s love meets people even in these darkest spaces. His heart breaks for those who are exploited, and His love calls them worthy of rescue, restoration, and hope. Throughout the Bible, we see God’s consistent concern for the vulnerable, the oppressed, and the forgotten. God’s love always compels us to act on their behalf.

God’s love does not overlook exploitation or injustice; it confronts them. Throughout the Bible, God consistently calls His people to protect the vulnerable, defend the oppressed, and seek justice. Love and justice are not separate.

Agape love moves us beyond awareness to responsibility. It calls us to learn the signs of trafficking, to pray for those who are exploited, and to support organizations fighting on the front lines. It pushes us to use our voices, our resources, and our influence to stand against systems that allow abuse to continue. Love in action includes —having hard conversations, paying attention in our communities, learning about developing countries, using our wallets to choose ethical products and to donate wisely.

This February, as we celebrate love, let us expand our understanding of what love truly means. Let us choose to reflect God’s agape love in practical ways because real love does not ignore suffering, it responds and works to bring freedom where it is desperately needed.

Susan Panzica

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HMM welcomes your financial support and invites you to become an Awareness Advocate and share about the ministry with your networks – church, family, friends, ministry, etc. https://www.heartofmercymission.org/share-the-need

Your financial support and prayers help the women facing tragic life situations. Monthly support needed for one client:

• Food     – $50/month - minimum of 5 months;
• counseling  -   $50/session – minimum 8     sessions but many need constant support;
• medical  needs - $250/person - one time;
• group counseling; and
• recommendation for life skills training to help her  support herself

Your financial gift to Heart of Mercy Mission will support our work around the globe. Please pray about how you can best support the mission through prayer, advocacy, or financial sponsorship. https://www.heartofmercymission.org/donate

Please pray for:

• the marginalized women around the world and in our programs who experience poverty, rejection from community, trafficking, grief, and trauma.
• the staff who faithfully minister in our programs.
• financial  needs to be met for the work to continue.

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