Spiritual Gift of Mercy

All Christians are called to be merciful because God has been merciful to us (Matthew 18:33; Ephesians 2:4-6).  The Greek word for the spiritual gift of mercy is Eleeo.  It means to be patient and compassionate toward those who are suffering or afflicted.  The concern for the physical as well as spiritual need of those who are hurting is covered by the gift of mercy.  Those with this gift have great empathy for others in their trials and sufferings.  They are able to come alongside people over extended periods of time and see them through their healing process.  They are truly and literally the hands and feet of God to the afflicted.

The Holy Spirit gives the spiritual gift of mercy to some in the church to love and assist those who are suffering, and walk with them until The Lord allows their burden to be lifted.  The gift of mercy is founded in God’s mercy towards us as sinners and is consistently expressed with measurable compassion.  Those with this gift are able to “weep with those who weep” (Romans 12:15) and “bear one another’s burdens” (Galatians 6:2).  They are sensitive to the feelings and circumstances of others and can quickly discern when someone is not doing well.  They are typically good listeners and feel the need to simply “be there” for others.  See Romans 12:8, Matthew 5:7; Luke 10:30-37; James 3:17; Jude 22-23.