The Importance of Gifts XIV

Today we have reached the end of our study on the different types of spiritual gifts. When I began this study, I had only intended to focus on the common gifts that are discussed. However, it became clear to me that the overlooked gifts found in Romans 12 needed to be examined as well. As we have seen throughout this study, the spiritual gifts are often misunderstood or misused. While we are examining the last gift today, it is possibly one of the most important gifts a follower of Christ can ask for. The gift of mercy.

“6 However, since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, each of us is to use them properly: if prophecy, in proportion to one’s faith; 7 if service, in the act of serving; or the one who teaches, in the act of teaching; 8 or the one who exhorts, in the work of exhortation; the one who gives, with generosity; the one who is in leadership, with diligence; the one who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.”

Romans 12:6-8

All throughout scripture we are called to show mercy. “Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy.” Proverbs 28:13. “Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful.” Luke 6:36. “So speak and so act as those who are to be judged under the law of liberty. For judgment is without mercy to one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment.” James 2:12-13. Are just a couple examples. We also know that we would not be reconciled to God if He didn’t show us mercy and send His Son to pay for our sins. Mercy is a very important aspect of who God is and as such it needs to be an important aspect of who we are.

But what exactly is mercy? It means to show compassion. However, Romans 12 describes those who have the gift of mercy to do so cheerfully. This continues with an important aspect that we have seen with the last couple of spiritual gifts, it comes down to the motivation of the individual who claims to have the gift. There are individuals who claim to have the gift of mercy, who say that they have compassion on people, but they either act begrudgingly towards others or hold aspects over their heads. They forget that they have been shown mercy by God and need to do so with a prompt, willing, and kind attitude. We would not be who we are if it wasn’t for God showing us His mercy, and we need to extend this to those around us.

Seek the truth and encourage one another,

Alex