The Motivational Grace of Mercy: Romans 12:8d
“8) or he who exhorts, in his exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.” Romans 12:8d
John is a good example of this gifts. He was called the disciple whom Jesus loved. He was very tuned into relationships and was the only disciple to record the story of the women caught in adultery. He was sensitive to hurting people or abused people. He had lofts of mercy.
It should be noted that the persons with the motivations of prophecy and mercy often conflict with each other, but they really need each other. Let’s look at the strengths and weaknesses of this gift.
7. MOTIVATIONAL GRACE OF MERCY: Romans 12:8d A. Example: John B. Guiding Scripture: Romans 12:15 C. Characteristic of the gift: 1) Deep loyalty to and defense of friends. (Luke 9:54) 2) Need for deep and affirming friendships. (John 21:7 &20) 3) Empathize with hurting people. 4) Tries not to hurt or offend people. 5) Attract people in distress or in crisis. 6) Measures acceptance by closeness. 7) Values the firmness of mature prophets.
D. Weaknesses inherent in gift. 1) Take up the offenses of someone being hurt. 2) Overlook faults to make things better for people. 3) Failure to be firm with people in pointing out sin. 4) Leaning on emotions rather than reason. 5) Becoming emotionally attached to those being counseled. 6) Bailing people out of facing consequences of sin. 7) Cutting off insensitive people who are to hard on others.
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global
