Biblical
Example: John
Mercy-givers are
builders of bridges and menders of breaches.
DEFINITIONS:
The Spirit-given motivation and ability to cheerfully
suffer the hurts of others, enabling you to minister to them in their time of
need.
The verb means “to pity, commiserate,
have compassion on, show grace favor to”
The
mercy-giver does not just have the stirring of emotions but has deep-down,
supernatural, God-given compassion.
Divine love by god’s Spirit in Christ’s name, glorifying the Father.
The
Gift of Mercy
Feels pity: the
mercy-giver does not just have the stirring of emotions but has deep-down,
supernatural, God-given
compassion. Divine love by god’s Spirit
in Christ’s name, glorifying the Father.
Involves deeds: Jm. 2:15-16; Ac. 2:44-45; 9:36;
16:33-34; 2 Tim. 1:16-17
Requires cheerfulness: Ro. 12:8
Strengthens many: the extent of their ministry is
unlimited because of the vast needs of God’s people.
How does this gift differ
from the gift of helps/service? Helps is
directed toward relieving a Christian worker of a temporal service so they can
concentrate on other things. Mercy is
directed toward one in distress (a shut-in, the handicapped, the ill, the
hungry, hurting). etc.).
Other facts on the
gift of mercy
Personal must learn to be
tough on the outside because they are tender on the inside.
Probably 30% of believers
have this gift.
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Sympathy says, I’m
sorry you hurt. Empathy says, I’m sorry you hurt, and I hurt with you. Mercy says, I’m sorry you hurt, and I’m going to stay right here with you until
the hurt is gone.
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Can be hurt more than any other
person because of their tenderness.
CHARACTERISTICS OF
THE MERCY-GIVER:
1.
An ability to feel an atmosphere of joy or distress in
an individual or a group.
Discern
where people are emotionally.
2. A
tendency to attract people who are having mental and emotional distress.
People gravitate to them, not prophets.
Able to project themselves to the hurting.
One of God’s gifts of cheerfulness and joy to the
body. They can weep with others.
3. A
desire to remove the causes of hurts rather than to look for benefits from
them.
Exhortation
says, “Let them hurt. God is at
work.” Mercy, once they see God’s plan,
can back off but not without hurting for them.
1 Jn. 3:11,15
4. A
greater concern over mental joy or distress than physical concerns.
5. A
sensitivity to words and actions that will help others.
In
the flesh they react harshly.
6. Tendencies to react harshly when close
friends are rejected.
Remember:
very sensitive.
7. An ability to sense genuine love. A greater vulnerability to deeper and more
frequent hurts. Mercy is
injured more easily. They want to sense
your protective care.
8. A need
for genuine friendships in which there is mutual commitment.
9. A need
to measure acceptance by physical closeness and quality time together.
10. An
enjoyment and unity with those who are sensitive to the needs and feelings of
others.
11. A
tendency to be attracted to those with the spiritual gift of prophecy.
12. A
tendency to avoid decisions and firmness unless they will eliminate greater
hurts.
13. A closing
of their spirit to those they deem as insincere or insensitive.
14. Serve
in difficult or unsightly circumstances and do so cheerfully.
15. Concern
themselves with individuals or social issues that oppress people.
MISUSES AND WAYS THIS PERSON CAN BE MISUNDERSTOOD
1.
Failing to be
firm and decisive when necessary.
2.
Taking up
offenses for those who have been hurt.
3.
Basing decisions
on emotions rather than on principle.
4.
Promoting
improper affections from those of the opposite sex.
5.
Cutting off
friendships when they feel others have been insensitive.
6.
Becoming stubborn
and vindictive when they feel rejected.
7.
Reacting to God’s
purposes in allowing people to suffer.
8.
Sympathizing with
those who are violating God’s standards.
9.
Establishing
possessive friendships with others.
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Biblical
references of John the Beloved
His name means “whom Jehovah loves”
John was in the circle of intimacy (Mk. 5:37; 9:2; Mt.
26:37; Lk. 22:8)
Jn. 19:35; 21:24 the
author
Jn. 21:20; 19:26 Beloved
Jn. 13:25 physical
touch
Gal. 2:9 a
pillar
Mk. 3:17 natural
energy
Mk. 9:38 intolerance
Lk. 9:54 vindictiveness
Mk. 10:35-37 ambition
Jn. 13:33 / eagerness
to learn
1 Jn. 2:
1 Jn. 4:7-21 love
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TRAITS IN THE SPIRIT / FLESH
- Attentiveness Unconcern
- Sensitive Callous
- Fair Partial
- Compassion Indifference
- Gentle Harsh
- Submissive Rude
- Meekness Anger
Instructions for the Mercy-Giver
1.
Love for others may require toughness.
2.
A need does not equal a call. You
can’t help
everyone.
3.
Use caution about your motives and desires.
4.
Develop a tough skin, but keep the tender heart. Beware of being overly sensitive and
offended when people don’t make you
feel as good as you wish they would!
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