Written by Sarah McPherson

Read: Romans 12:3-8 — “Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.” (Luke 6:36); “Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.” (Matthew 5:7); “We will never be more like our Father than when we express mercy.” — Pastor Micah Eldridge

When I meet with people as a pastor or a listening friend, I seek to know what is really going on in their lives, hearts, and souls. I celebrate victories, but I’m especially drawn to their struggles, fears, sin battles, anxiety, and pain. When these types of topics surface, I lean in by asking thoughtful questions. I want people to feel seen, loved, and supported. I desire to help people find freedom, hope, and healing through Jesus Christ, our Savior, Deliverer, Rescuer, and Healer.

The Greek word for mercy means to be patient and compassionate toward those who are suffering or afflicted. Mercy is especially drawn to the needy, the outcast, the sick, the wounded in spirit, and the like (Luke 5:29-32). People with the gift of mercy long to see people healed and are willing to give their time, talents, and resources to help. Some with this gift are drawn to helping occupations, and others partner with the Spirit in their everyday lives to meet the needs of the people they encounter.

The gift of mercy empowers people to lean toward suffering with cheerfulness (Romans 12:8b). To lean toward suffering, we first see it for what it is. Others without this gift might push past pain, bury it, or expect time to heal it. But those of us with the gift of mercy don’t. We face it head-on with the love and grace of Jesus. Then we respond to it because mercy is not only a feeling. It is a motivational gift that moves us towards alleviating the immediate physical, spiritual, and/or emotional needs of others with love and gentleness.

Let’s look at a story in the Bible where Jesus both feels compassion and heals their immediate need. Two blind men cried out to Jesus, “Lord...have mercy on us!” Jesus responded with more than a feeling, but with a question. “What do you want me to do for you?” Jesus felt compassion for them, and healed their sight (Matthew 20:29-33, emphasis added). Two men were suffering, and Jesus, feeling compassion, responded to their physical (and likely spiritual and emotional) needs.

If you have this gift, I want to encourage you to be around people who are hurting. You carry the heart of Jesus and can express it by meeting practical and physical needs, listening to people, and praying for them. Remember, you are not anyone’s savior or rescuer! God alone holds that title. It’s not your responsibility to heal people. Do what He asks of you, and trust Him to do the rest.