the gift of mercy
The gift of Mercy is all about compassion in action. People with this gift feel deeply for others, especially those who are hurting, struggling, or overlooked. Here are practical ways to activate this gift:
1. Checking In on Those Who Feel Forgotten
👉 How to Start: Make a habit of sending a quick text, calling, or visiting someone who might be feeling forgotten. A simple, “Thinking about you today—how’s everything going?” can mean more than you realize.
2. Helping People Who Feel Out of Place
👉 How to Start: Pay attention to who is sitting alone or standing on the edges. Introduce yourself, make conversation, and offer to sit with them. Your genuine welcome can make church feel like home for someone new.
3. Bringing Comfort in Difficult Moments
👉 How to Start: Be intentional about noticing when people are struggling. If someone in your church or neighborhood is going through a hard time, offer a practical way to help, like bringing a meal, running errands, or simply being available to talk.
4. Encouraging Someone Who’s Struggling with Guilt or Shame
👉 How to Start: If someone expresses guilt, shame, or discouragement, listen without judgment and remind them of God’s mercy and redemption. Sometimes, the most healing words are, “You are loved, and God hasn’t given up on you.”
1. Checking In on Those Who Feel Forgotten
- There are people in every church and community who feel invisible—whether it’s a single parent, a widow, an elderly member, or someone struggling with loneliness. A small gesture can remind them they are seen and loved.
👉 How to Start: Make a habit of sending a quick text, calling, or visiting someone who might be feeling forgotten. A simple, “Thinking about you today—how’s everything going?” can mean more than you realize.
2. Helping People Who Feel Out of Place
- Some people walk into church feeling awkward, nervous, or unsure if they belong. Your kindness and attentiveness can help them go from feeling like an outsider to feeling like part of the family.
👉 How to Start: Pay attention to who is sitting alone or standing on the edges. Introduce yourself, make conversation, and offer to sit with them. Your genuine welcome can make church feel like home for someone new.
3. Bringing Comfort in Difficult Moments
- Whether it’s sitting with someone in the hospital, offering support after a loss, or walking with a friend through a tough season, your ability to show up with love and compassion can make all the difference.
👉 How to Start: Be intentional about noticing when people are struggling. If someone in your church or neighborhood is going through a hard time, offer a practical way to help, like bringing a meal, running errands, or simply being available to talk.
4. Encouraging Someone Who’s Struggling with Guilt or Shame
- Some people carry burdens they don’t know how to let go of. Your gift of mercy allows you to extend grace and remind them of God’s love and forgiveness.
👉 How to Start: If someone expresses guilt, shame, or discouragement, listen without judgment and remind them of God’s mercy and redemption. Sometimes, the most healing words are, “You are loved, and God hasn’t given up on you.”