| THE GIFT OF MERCY Definition: the gift of caring and of sharing in the needs and hurts of others. Character who illustrates this gift: John. Scriptural guidelines for mercy-givers: Rom. 12:15; Matt. 5:7; Gal. 6:2; Col. 3:12-14. Characteristics: 1. Deeply loyal to friends. (See Luke 9:54) 2. Has a tremendous capacity to show love. 3. Always looks for good in people. 4. Is attracted to people in need. 5. Feels the joy of sharing in others hurts. 6. Desires to bring healing and wholeness to others. 7. Much more concerned about people's emotional hurts than about their physical needs. 8. Will avoid firmness and confrontations to keep from hurting someone. 9. Able to clearly discern sincerity from falsehood or deception. 10. Has difficulty with harsh people. 11. Senses the spiritual and emotional atmosphere of a group. 12. Desperately needs at least one or more very close friends. 13. Wants to help people have right relationships with each other. 14. Is trusting and trustworthy. 15. Loves to do thoughtful things for others. 16. Is typically cheerful and joyful. 17. Is ruled by the heart rather than the head. 18. Is a crusader for good causes. 19. Does not like to be rushed in a job or activity. 20. Is attracted to prophets and other mercy-givers. Typical problem areas for the gift of mercy: 1. Can be very indecisive. 2. Is often prone to take up another person's offense. 3. Is easily hurt by others. 4. May have difficulty disciplining others. 5. May be guided by emotions in situations where clear thinking is needed. 6. Will take up for "their" people even when they are wrong. 7. Can be easily taken advantage of (but not easily conned). 8. May become possessive of time and attention of closest friends. 9. Affectionate nature is often misinterpreted by members of the opposite sex. 10. Is prone to empathize with even those who are suffering as a direct result of sin. Prophecy Service Teaching Exhortation Giving Administration Mercy beginning? |