Earlier this month I posted about Stephen Ministries. This would be a wonderful ministry for anyone with the gift of mercy. Wondering if you have this spiritual gift? Here is a complete description that may help you decide.
Literal Meaning: To have compassion
Description: The gift of mercy is the special ability that God gives to certain
members of the Body of Christ to feel genuine empathy and compassion for individuals, both Christian and non-Christian, who suffer distressing physical, mental or emotional problems, and to translate that compassion into cheerfully done deeds that reflect Christ’s love and alleviate the suffering.
Distinctives:
- Focus upon alleviating the sources of pain or discomfort in suffering people
- Address the needs of the lonely and forgotten
- Extend love, grace, and dignity to those facing hardships and crisis
- Serve in difficult or unsightly circumstances and do so cheerfully
- Concern themselves with individual or social issues that oppress people
| Traits: | Cautions: | ||
| Empathetic | Need to be aware that rescuing people from their | ||
| Caring | pain may be hindering God’s work in them | ||
| Responsive | Need to guard against feeling “unappreciated,” since | ||
| Kind | some of the people helped will not show or express | ||
| Compassionate | any appreciation | ||
| Sensitive | Should guard against becoming defensive and angry | ||
| Burden-bearing | about the sources of others’ pain | ||
References: Acts 16:33-34; Matthew 5:7; Romans 12:8; Hebrews 4:16
For more posts about spiritual gifts see:
A Quote about a Favorite Topic — Spiritual Gifts
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