Spiritual Gifts/Mercy

     Do you notice when others are suffering? Instead of avoiding those in crisis or the most vulnerable and weak, do you just want to help?  Do you have the ability to feel another’s pain and want to see them through? Do you have the capacity to enter a very difficult situation with joy rather than obligation or difficulty? If so, you may have the spiritual gift of mercy.

     This particular gift can bring about great blessing and joy, but it can be the one gift that is emotionally and physically draining. The person with this gift can immediately tell when someone is suffering. Their heart is full of compassion and with a willingness to alleviate another’s pain. This gift is often paired in someone with the gift of encouragement. These two work hand in hand to seek out and recognize suffering and then finding a way to deal with it in a compassionate and hopeful manner.

Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.  Matthew 5:7

….if it is showing mercy, let him to it cheerfully. Romans 12:8b

    Relying on the strength of God and our faith is so important for those with this gift, as well as keeping healthy boundaries. The gift of mercy often comes with a heart so filled with compassion and the heart to want to “fix” the suffering. Remember that God is the great healer and we are called to show His compassion, mercy, and hope in the midst of it.

Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.  Romans 12:12

Dear Jesus,

We thank you for the gifts of the Spirit. Show each one their special and unique gifts and how to use them for Your purposes. Today we thank You for the merciful. Teach us who we are in You and how we were made to serve.

Amen