Where Joy and Sorrow Meet-The Gift of Mercy

Mercy

God chose some to carry the torch of Mercy as their special spiritual gift.  Those who bear this motivational gift see and feel the pain and sorrow of others.  As they enter any gathering, they immediately see and make their way toward the sad, down trodden soul sitting off in the corner.  Feeling their pain, the person gifted with Mercy is drawn like a magnet to their side.  Likewise, the sad heart seeks out Mercy.  I speak more personally of this gift; because, I have learned of its power and its deepest sorrow by living a lifetime with it.  Until that fateful day that I heard Dr. Charles Stanley preach on the gift of Mercy from his series “God’s Children Gifted for Ministry”; I had been a victim of my own spiritual gift.

A victim whose pathway lay strewn with shattered pieces of her own heart; because, I did not understand why I was drawn toward all the broken and down trodden hearts.  Oh, yes; I knew and eluded joy throughout this journey; because, I knew my source of joy was God alone.  Yet, at the same time I bore the scars of pain. For you see, those with the gift of Mercy are all in; therefore, they often feel rejected or unloved; because, few can respond with the same depth of love as do they give. Those bearing this gift tend to see the good, the best that another person can be, if only they could see who God made them to be. Therefore, Mercy forgives whatever offence today; because, they know, if only the other person knew God’s love; they wouldn’t have caused such pain.

THE GIFT OF MERCY, WHERE JOY AND SORROW MEET

Those with the gift of Mercy, spend hours on their knees alone with God; crying buckets of tears, to be restored.  It would seem the oddity of all oddities; that, those whom God has gifted with the greatest capacity to love unconditionally would find themselves often the most solitary of all his children.  Yet, in their solitude; God is their source of love, joy and hope. It took me nearly a lifetime to learn this truth; yet, knowledge is the key to carrying out your own special spiritual gift.  Beyond that, I learned to understand the trials I faced.  To learn true empathy, those with the gift of Mercy often face a lifetime of trials; preparing them to truly understand others.

Could I speak to another with chronic illness, if I never faced illness?  Or cancer! Can I really understand or listen as well; if I had not walked a mile in their shoes? I learned: it wasn’t God’s anger that allowed so much tragedy in my life; instead, it was His love drawing me closer to Him and preparing me for the ministry He ordained me to walk in.

For you see, Mercy is the body of joy, love and forgiveness in the church.  Often, they are misunderstood and criticized for not being strict enough at teaching discipline.  Although, they understand and truly experience the harsh effects of evil in the world; at the same time, those with the gift of Mercy believe that no sinner is too far removed, but that God could save them.

CONTRASTING IN THE SPIRIT AND IN THE FLESH

When those with the gift of Mercy are working in the Spirit; they are attentive, sensitive, compassionate, fair, gentle, protective, meek, and willing to suffer.  When working in the flesh, they are unconcerned, callus, partial, indifferent, harsh, rude and filled with anger.

DO YOU KNOW SOMEONE WITH THE MOTIVATIONAL GIFT OF MERCY?

If indeed you see someone with the gift of Mercy, give them a smile and perhaps a hug.  At times, they really need a leader or prophet to balance out their emotions; however, the one who steps in to help Mercy, must do so with love, kindness and a gentleness of spirit. Otherwise, Mercy will withdraw into a shell or worse, strike out against their would-be helpers.

WHAT IF MERCY IS YOUR MOTIVATIONAL GIFT?

Paul’s instructions in Romans 12 to those with Mercy read “he that sheweth mercy, (do so) with cheerfulness.”  Why would Paul need to remind those with the motivational gift of Mercy, need to be reminded to do so with cheerfulness?  Ah, that’s easy; because, those given the gift of mercy must face the evil, pain, and sorrow of this world; yielding a sword of love.  Often, they walk through the darkest valleys and storms in this world; preparing for the battle that lies ahead of them.  Be careful, when reaching down so low to pull others up; that they don’t pull you into the pit with them.

Also, beware of your own emotions.  Not everyone God places in your path to love remain forever. So, be willing to let go when the task is complete without feeling broken.  Also, be very careful; sometimes, people will confuse your acts of kindness for romantic love.  You may even fall into this trap of seeking romance where it shouldn’t be.

CONCLUDING THOUGHTS

[bctt tweet=”Those with the motivational gift of Mercy live in a world where Sorrow and Joy meet” username=”effiedarlene”]

DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR? OR ARE YOU IN OF NEED PRAYER?

If you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior: I urge you to go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link, if you have a prayer request email me by clicking here or comment here

OTHER RESOURCES AVAILABLE

A Broken and Contrite Heart, I published in 2010, answers the question, “What do I do when I keep falling into the same sin? Does God hate me because I keep failing to get this right?  So, where do I begin again and find joy in my salvation; after, falling.  If you want to know more about this book or the other books I have written:  You can find a link at: Book Resources.

©Effie Darlene Barba, 2017

Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post.  I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned except for my own books.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

 

The inscription I added;

Photo by  Denys Nevozhai on Unsplash

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