8 the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.
The seventh and last spiritual gift of Romans 12 is mercy or compassion.
the one who does acts of mercy,
The word “mercy” is always used in Pauline literature of God’s mercy, except in this passage. Here this person with the gift of mercy expresses human mercy to fellow Christians. Mercy shows compassion to those in difficulty.
with cheerfulness.
“Cheerfulness” is gladness. People with the gift of mercy are only too glad to show mercy to others. They do not exercise this gift in a grudging manner.
PRINCIPLE:
The person with the gift of mercy gives to others without a grudging attitude.
APPLICATION:
People with the gift of mercy have their spiritual antennas up so that they can see people with personal needs in the congregation. They can see others who are suffering or experiencing sorrow or loss before the rest of us can. This gift is more than sweet, saccharin sentimentalism. It is the ability to empathize or identify with those who are hurting, and then to take action to help them.
Christians should be careful not to neglect the gift that God gives them. Other people need us. No gift is of any value if we do not use it.
2 Ti 1:6, Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands.
