8. ...he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.

The Amplified Bible says, "He who does acts of mercy, with genuine cheerfulness and joyful eagerness."  To show mercy means to be compassionate or have compassion on someone.  Acts of mercy are deeds that people do that show compassion.  This covers a broad range of deeds.  But this is a gift God has put within the body to help us function the way He intends for us to.

Again, this doesn’t mean that only certain people in the body are gifted to show mercy and no one else has to.  We all are told to be merciful.  But there are those who have a more specific gifting in this area.

Those who have this type of motivation and perception will see that people are hurting more than others will.  They are sensitive to others and will respond to those who are hurting with compassion and action.  They see the good in others.  They will share in others’ hurt and pain in order to help them through.

All of these gifts are given so the body of Christ can function the way He intends.  As we each take our place we will function as He, the Head, desires.  And by recognizing not only our own gifts and motivations, but recognizing and appreciating other’s gifts as well we will all become more like Christ in every way.

Confession:

The gift of mercy is a God-given gift in the body of Christ.  I receive the compassionate acts of this gift and when I show mercy and compassion on others I will do so cheerfully, joyfully and eagerly.