The Gift of Mercy
“The concern for the physical as well as the 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 can 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.”
I am not sure that many people in the public today have the gift of mercy. And if they do, I’m not sure if they are using it. But one place I usually see it played out is a late afternoon news program. The anchor of the show closes the news with a segment she calls “Lives Lived Well.” It is about people who have died of COVID-19 and yet lived their lives empathetically. I don’t believe it is a coincidence that these people who are highlighted are also givers of mercy to others.
In taking on the burdens of those around him, Christ showed how best to show mercy to others. The peace that mercy brings to those who are hurting is such a relief that they are truly able to live again.
For those of us who do not have the spiritual gift of mercy, we are still called to exercise this gift with the possibility of gaining skills in this area. So here are four ideas to ease into welcoming others while using some of your God-given spiritual gifts:
1. Be Someone’s 9-1-1
You are most likely aware of someone who is needing you—someone who has lost their joy because of the pandemic or someone who cannot get out of their home due to health risks. Reflect on what they might need the most—help pay their mortgage or utility bill, babysit the kids while they go to a job interview, or sit and let them vent their frustration about the situation. If you can, you may want to do this anonymously since some people don’t feel comfortable “accepting charity.” Focus on this person and their family and don’t think of this as a “one and done” event. You may save someone’s life.
2. Body Kindness
Most of us show more kindness to others than ourselves. What would it look like to gift yourself with mercy? The book Body Kindness by Rebecca Scritchfield asks the universal body kindness question “Is this helping to create a better life for myself?” In addition, it has body kindness pillars: love, connect, care. Read the book if you can. If you cannot, ask yourself the above question daily.
3. Gathering Stories
For the next month, become intentionally aware of news stories about people showing mercy or acting with mercy. Print, cut out, or jot down the stories and keep them in a folder. When you find one, highlight some of the characteristics of people in the story being merciful. Try to take on one of these characteristics until it becomes a habit for you. You might even share your stories with others.
4. Pose the Question
Ask 5-10 people to help you with a video project. Have them video themselves answering the question “What does mercy mean to you?” If you can, edit these videos together. Then offer them to your pastor and worship committee to be used somehow in the worship service—virtually or in-person—or play it before worship to help others reflect on mercy. If this goes well and you have the blessing of church leaders, you may want to pose other questions to be used.