What does the Bible have to say to victims of human trafficking?
Human trafficking is a horrific injustice that affects millions of people around the world. It is a form of modern-day slavery where victims are exploited for labor or commercial sex through force, fraud, or coercion. As Christians, we must understand what the Bible says about human trafficking in order to properly care for victims and work against this evil.
First, the Bible makes it clear that human trafficking is a grievous sin. Exodus 21:16 says, “Whoever steals a man and sells him, and anyone found in possession of him, shall be put to death.” This verse shows that kidnapping someone and selling them into slavery is detestable to God. Deuteronomy 24:7 likewise condemns kidnapping and treating people as property that can be bought and sold. The New Testament reinforces this teaching, stating that slave traders are lawless and disobedient (1 Timothy 1:10). The exploitation of others for greed and profit goes against God’s values.
Second, the Bible emphasizes caring for the vulnerable and oppressed. God calls on His people to “loose the bonds of injustice” and “let the oppressed go free” (Isaiah 58:6). As Proverbs 31:8-9 states, “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.” Christians must speak up and defend trafficking victims who cannot defend themselves. God expects His followers to fight against injustice and mistreatment of others.
Third, the Bible offers hope and healing to victims of trafficking. Many victims feel ashamed, damaged, and beyond hope. But Psalm 34:18 assures, “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” God sees their suffering and wants to bind up their wounds (Psalm 147:3). As believers show Christ’s compassion, victims can find comfort knowing they are loved and valued.
Fourth, the Bible guides us to restore and empower survivors. Isaiah 61 describes God anointing His people to “bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives.” Survivors need support to rebuild their lives. The church should walk alongside them to provide counseling, education, job training, and community. Galatians 5:1 proclaims, “For freedom Christ has set us free.” Jesus frees people from bondage so they can start a new life in Him.
Fifth, Scripture pushes us to fight injustice. Micah 6:8 says, “What does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” As Christians, we are called to take a stand against evil and defend the oppressed. We cannot turn a blind eye to the injustice of trafficking. Proverbs 31:9 challenges us to “plead the cause of the poor and needy.” We must raise awareness, change laws, and love survivors as ourselves.
In summary, the Bible speaks clearly against the sin of human trafficking. It calls Christians to care for victims, extend hope in Christ, empower survivors, and act justly against this evil. As we respond according to Scripture, exploited people can experience freedom and restoration through God’s love and justice.
Human trafficking strips people of their dignity and freedom. It is heartbreaking to God. But His Word offers truth, hope, and guidance so the church can make a difference. With God’s help and by following His teachings, we can support survivors and push back against the darkness of trafficking.
Victims of trafficking often feel helpless, forgotten and unloved. But God sees each precious child He created, even in the darkest places. He longs to wrap His loving arms around them. His heart breaks over their suffering. As Christians shine God’s light into the darkness of trafficking, many lost and hurting people can come to know their heavenly Father. They can find refuge, hope and a new life in Christ.
The Bible reminds victims of trafficking that they are loved by their Creator. Psalms 139:13-14 says, “For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” God carefully crafted each person in His image. No one can take away their immense value in His eyes. Survivors are treasured children of the King.
Jesus sets an example of how we must treat trafficking victims – with love, compassion and dignity. When Jesus encountered the Samaritan woman at the well in John 4, He crossed social boundaries to engage her in conversation. Though she lived a sinful life, He saw her worth and offered her living water. This compassion reflects how Christians should gently minister to victims trapped in darkness.
The Bible offers hope that victims can be freed from bondage. In John 8, Jesus frees the woman caught in adultery from her captors who wanted to stone her. He treats her with kindness and tells her to “go and sin no more.” This shows that anyone, regardless of their past, can receive new life in Christ. His salvation breaks every chain and sets captives free.
God is a refuge for the oppressed according to Psalm 9:9 – “The Lord is a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.” Victims can find shelter in His loving presence. He will heal their deepest wounds and pain as they seek Him. God promises to be near to the brokenhearted and save the crushed in spirit (Psalm 34:18).
The Bible commands us as Christians to care for trafficking survivors. James 1:27 says, “Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction.” We cannot ignore their cries for help. Rather, we must extend rescue, resources and restorative care.
God seeks justice for those exploited by trafficking. Deuteronomy 10:18 says, “He executes justice for the fatherless and the widow, and loves the sojourner, giving him food and clothing.” Our faithful God promises to punish evildoers and vindicate the oppressed. We can trust Him to make wrongs right.
Victims can find their true identity and belonging in Christ. Ephesians 1:5 says, “In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ.” When received into God’s family, survivors gain an eternal inheritance of love that can never be taken away. They are valued members of His kingdom.
Through faith in Jesus, survivors have hope of eternal rescue from all pain and injustice. Revelation 21:4 promises God “will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore.” Eternity with Christ brings total healing and restoration.
The Lord cares deeply about justice for the oppressed. He hears their cries and promises to be their defender against the cruel people who enslave them. As Christians seek to end human trafficking, we can take heart knowing that God is at work bringing liberation to captives and judgment upon evildoers.
Jesus sets the ultimate example of self-sacrificial love that should motivate Christians to combat trafficking. Philippians 2:7-8 says, “Christ made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death – even death on a cross!” Jesus gave up everything to rescue us. His love compels us to follow His example by fighting for the oppressed.
The Bible makes it clear that every human life bears the image of God. Genesis 1:27 states, “So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them.” This gives all people, including trafficking victims, immense dignity and worth. When we defend the exploited, we defend those made in God’s image.
God’s people must speak up for those who cannot defend themselves, including trafficking victims. Proverbs 31:8-9 says, “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.” Silence only helps the oppressor. God calls us to be a voice for the voiceless.
Bringing dark injustices like trafficking into the light reflects God’s nature. Ephesians 5:11 says, “Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.” Shining a light on the evil of trafficking pleases God and prevents further perpetuation. We must raise awareness to end the shroud of secrecy.
Christians should generously use their resources to rescue and restore survivors of trafficking. 1 John 3:17 says, “If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person?” Loving survivors requires more than words but practical help. We must be Christ’s hands and feet.
Churches should lead efforts in caring for survivors and fighting trafficking. James 1:27 says, “Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress.” Congregations have a duty to protect the vulnerable. This starts with becoming educated, engaged and active.
Scripture inspires hope that evil systems of oppression will not last forever. Exodus 3:7-8 says, “The Lord said, I have surely seen the affliction of my people…I have heard them crying out…I am concerned about their suffering. So I have come down to rescue them.” God will bring justice in His timing as we join His redemptive work.
Jesus calls the weary and heavy burdened to come find rest in Him. Matthew 11:28 says, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Survivors can exchange their pain for the light burden of Christ’s love. In Him, they can begin healing.
Christians should treat survivors with humility, gentleness and patience. Ephesians 4:2 says, “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.” Many have suffered unspeakable horrors requiring deep compassion. We must avoid judgment and carefully steward their healing.
The Bible teaches us to love our neighbors as ourselves. Mark 12:31 states, “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Trafficking victims are our neighbors deserving of the same love we have for ourselves. Loving them requires fighting for their freedom and recovery.
Bringing the hope of the gospel to the darkest places reflects God’s heart. Luke 4:18 says Jesus was anointed “to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free.” God wants to break chains through the good news of Christ. This brings light to the darkness of trafficking.
Christians must avoid turning a blind eye to evil and suffering. Proverbs 24:11-12 warns, “Rescue those being led away to death; hold back those staggering toward slaughter. If you say, ‘But we knew nothing about this,’ does not he who weighs the heart perceive it?” God expects us to intervene on behalf of the helpless.
The wrath of God will come against those who traffic and exploit others. Colossians 3:5-6 says, “Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. Because of these, the wrath of God is coming.” Judgement awaits unrepentant traffickers.
God can redeem any life, no matter how broken. Isaiah 61:1-2 proclaims the Lord has sent his people “to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners.” With God, survivors can rise from the ashes of their past.
Trafficking should compel Christians to fervent prayer for the oppressed. James 5:16 says, “The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” Bringing the plight of trafficking victims before God’s throne opens doors for rescue, justice and restoration.
Bringing justice and relief to trafficking survivors reflects our calling as Christians. Micah 6:8 states, “What does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” We act justly by fighting trafficking and loving mercy by caring for survivors.
The Bible offers great hope that survivors can experience true healing in Christ. Psalm 147:3 says, “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” While their journey may be long, God can mend their deepest hurts and make them whole again.
Human dignity comes not from what we do but from God imprinting His image on each person. Survivors often feel worthless because of the evil done to them. But their precious value comes from bearing God’s image (Genesis 1:27), not their past.
Bringing the hope of the gospel to survivors allows them to see their true identity in Christ. 2 Corinthians 5:17 says, “If anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” Jesus makes all things new. Survivors are redeemed children of God.
The Bible commands us not to fear fighting injustice. Deuteronomy 31:6 says, “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” We can boldly confront evil knowing God is on our side.
God designed the church to be a refuge for the hurting. Psalm 46:1 says, “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” Congregations should create safe havens where trafficking survivors can experience hope, healing and community.
Scripture teaches that we do not wrestle just against flesh and blood. Ephesians 6:12 says, “Our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” Behind trafficking is a spiritual battle requiring prayer and discernment to fight.
The Bible commands us to defend the rights and cause of the poor. Proverbs 31:9 says, “Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.” As Christians, we cannot stay silent but must become advocates seeking justice for trafficking victims.
Bringing freedom to captives reflects the very mission of Jesus Christ. Luke 4:18-19 says Jesus was sent “to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” Freeing survivors brings Christ’s kingdom.
God hears the cries of trafficking victims and promises to bring justice on their behalf. Psalm 10:17-18 says, “You, Lord, hear the desire of the afflicted; you encourage them, and you listen to their cry, defending the fatherless and the oppressed.” Their deliverance is coming.
The Bible offers great hope for survivors to overcome what was done to them. Romans 8:37 says, “In all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.” Through Christ, they can triumph over their past and walk in freedom.
Jesus perfectly understands the suffering of victims since He too suffered unjustly. Hebrews 4:15 says, “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin.” He identifies with their pain.
As Christians shine the light of Christ into the darkness of trafficking, survivors can find hope for a new life in Him. Their identity is no longer in their past but in who God says they are as His beloved children. May survivors continue experiencing God’s heart of redemption as His people love them well and fight for their freedom.
