The Spiritual Gift of Mercy
Service Gift — Romans 12:8
ἐλεῶν (el-eh-on’) — present active participle — the one who is showing mercy. From ἔλεος — mercy, pity, compassion. Paul adds ἱλαρότητι (cheerfulness, hilarity) — mercy shown with a sour face is not the gift. The English word hilarity comes from the same root. Mercy is a sensitivity gift. God uses it to keep the feelings, treatment, and inclusion of people in every decision-making process.
Mercy as Defined
- Have Pity On — LUK 17:13
- Have Mercy On — MAR 10:48
- Show Mercy — MAT 5:7
- Empathy — LUK 10:37
- Return Good — 2TI 1:16
Mercy as Named
God Himself is the ultimate source — hath he mercy on whom he will have mercy (ROM 9:18). Jesus showed abundant mercy through the resurrection (1PE 1:3). Paul obtained mercy so that Christ might show longsuffering through him as a pattern for all who believe (1TI 1:16).
Mercy as Ministry
Mercy is dependent upon God for compassion. Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy (MAT 5:7). The gift reaches toward the wounded, the rejected, and the forgotten. It does not ask whether they deserve it.
Serving in Mercy
Avoid seeking martyrdom and unhealthy relationships. Avoid becoming overwhelmed by the needs of others. Avoid grumbling, bitterness, and isolation. The gift must be sustained by God — not by the believer’s emotional reserves.