The spiritual gift of mercy – What is it?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

The spiritual gift of mercy calls some Christians to show extraordinary compassion and serve those in great need with a joyful heart. While all believers are commanded to be merciful, the gift of mercy especially compels certain individuals to serve in ministries helping widows, orphans, the homeless, and others facing hardship. The Bible encourages mercy workers to persevere cheerfully despite discouragement from difficult circumstances. Key passages like Matthew 25:31-46 remind believers that serving those in need is serving Christ Himself, giving eternal significance to acts of mercy. Although mercy ministry can be emotionally challenging, those with this gift are called to trust God and continue serving faithfully.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• The gift of mercy is not mentioned in the Old Testament.

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• All Christians are called to be merciful (Matthew 5:7), yet some are gifted in mercy. Mercy involves showing compassion.
• Serving "the least of these" as mentioned in Matthew 25:31-46 is an important passage regarding mercy. The Lord says, "For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me" (Matthew 25:35-36). Such service is seen as service to the Lord: "As you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me" (Matthew 25:40).
• Romans 12:6-8 mentions the gift of mercy: "Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: … the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness." Those with the gift of mercy are likely those who feel compelled to serve in compassion-oriented ministry. This can take many forms, ranging from serving widows and orphans, to assisting the homeless, to helping those with addictions or disabilities. While the expression of mercy can vary, the Bible's focus is upon those with the gift of mercy expressing it "with cheerfulness." This is likely mentioned because those involved in mercy-related efforts can be easily discouraged. Though such individuals are drawn to helping those in difficult situations, it is also easy to become disappointed with the outcome of serving those in great need.
• The Good Samaritan is a classic example that shows the calling for Christians to be merciful to a neighbor in need regardless of circumstances (Luke 10:25-37).

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

Mercy often involves helping those who are suffering or sick, so discouragement can take a toll due to the inevitable pain or death in the lives of some of those served. For example, when someone relapses into an addiction, those who have helped the person often feel like they have failed in some way.

Certain biblical passages serve as important encouragement to those with the gift of mercy, reminding them that their service is ultimately honoring God and making a difference beyond what is immediately visible. Verses like Matthew 25:31-46 emphasize that acts of mercy toward “the least of these” are acts of service to Christ Himself. This encourages merciful servants to persevere with joy and trust, knowing their efforts have eternal significance despite earthly challenges.

Every Christian is called to show mercy, yet some are especially gifted in this area. Those gifted in mercy are called to serve with "cheerfulness," not becoming discouraged when progress seems lacking, knowing that their work is ultimately service to God.

UNDERSTAND

• All Christians are called to show mercy, but some have the special gift of deeply compassionate service.
• The New Testament calls those with the gift of mercy to serve cheerfully, seeing their work as service to Christ.
• Mercy ministry is challenging, but God equips those He calls in this way.

REFLECT

• How do you currently show mercy in your daily life, and where might God be calling you to grow in compassion?
• When you face discouragement in helping others, how can you remember to serve cheerfully and trust God’s purpose?
• Do you recognize a special compassion within yourself or others that might be a spiritual gift of mercy? How should you respond to that?

ENGAGE

• How can we as believers better support and encourage those who are gifted in mercy, especially when their work is emotionally difficult?
• In what practical ways can we embody the example of the Good Samaritan in our local context?
• How does understanding that serving “the least of these” is serving Christ Himself change our perspective on responding with mercy?