The gift of mercy/compassion is the God-given ability to have immediate compassion for those who are suffering, combined with great joy in meeting their needs.

Verse to consider:

• Luke 10

You may have the gift of mercy/compassion if:

• you search out the good in people, recognizing the spiritual and emotional condition of others

• you are driven by a concern for others, caring for their emotional, spiritual and physical well being

• you consider others more important than yourself

• you choose your words carefully, recognizing the affect, they can have on a person

• you think with your heart rather than your head

• you rejoice when others are joyful and grieve when their hearts are broken

At the same time, if you have the gift of mercy/compassion:

• you may run the risk of being overly sensitive

• your caring may be misconstrued by the opposite gender

• you may be easily hurt by others unintentionally

Here are some ministries where you might utilize the gift of mercy/compassion:

(Click on the ministry title for a more complete description of that ministry.)

• Cafe Team

• Connection Center

• Community Service

• Group Host

When choosing a ministry in which to serve according to your spiritual gift, keep in mind the unique mix of gifts the Spirit of God may have given you. Look for ministries that utilize more than one of your top potential gifts. Do not be afraid to test your gift mix in various ministries. Only by testing your gifts via serving can you be sure they truly are gifts given by the Holy Spirit. Serving according to your spiritual gifting, though often challenging, will bring joy into your life and the lives of those to whom you are serving.