💖 The Seventh Motivational Gift – Compassion (Mercy)

Romans 12:5 – Amplified Bible, “So we, numerous as we are, are 
one body in Christ, the Messiah, and individually we are parts one 
of another – mutually dependent on one another.”

Romans 12:8, “…he who does acts of mercy,[let him do it] with 
genuine cheerfulness and joyful eagerness.”

The Greek word that is used in Romans 12:8 to designate the seventh Motivational Gift is “eleeo.” The King James Version translated, “to show mercy.” It is defined by Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance, as, “to have compassion – by word or deed – specifically, obtain, receive, or show, by Divine grace.”

Vine’s Word Study defines “eleeo” as “the readiness of mind that prompts one to do anything joyfully and cheerfully.”

Vincent defines it as “the joyfulness, the amiable grace, the affability going the length of gaiety, which makes the visitor a sunbeam penetrating into the sick-chamber, and to the heart of the afflicted.” Wuest tells us that the word “hilarity” comes from the same Greek word.

The motivation of one with the Motivational Gift of Compassion, 
or Mercy is to mentally, and emotionally, relate to the feelings of 
those around him. Just as the server focuses on physical needs, the 
one with the gift of compassion concentrates on giving empathy, 
and comfort, during times of distress.

The Motivational Gift of compassion, or Mercy, is the ability to show great love, and deep feeling, toward the needs of others, it is the “outward manifestation of empathy.” 

The guidelines for this gift of compassion, or mercy, spoken of in Romans 12:15, are: 

1. To weep with, and 
2. To rejoice with 

THE CHARACTERISTIC OF ONE WITH THE GIFT OF COMPASSION, OR MERCY 

1. HE HAS A TREMENDOUS CAPACITY OF SHOW LOVE

Of all the Motivational Gifts, the gift of Compassion, or Mercy is the one that gives one the greatest capacity, and ability, to show love to others. Reflecting the nature of his heavenly Father, the person motivated by “the Gift of Compassion” seems to be an unending source of “agape” love, and, the more opportunity he has to give this love, the more joyful, and fulfilled, he is. 

2. HE IS TYPICALLY CHEERFUL AND JOYFUL

The person with the Motivational Gift of Compassion / Mercy is a positive person. The Amplified Bible tells us that when one shows mercy and compassion he is to do so “with, genuine cheerfulness and joyful eagerness” (Romans 12:8), and because the compassionate person loves showing love he, in fact, can do it with “genuine cheerfulness” and “joyful eagerness.” 

3. HE IS MOTIVATED TO HELP PEOPLE HAVE RIGHT RELATIONSHIPS WITH ONE ANOTHER

Because the compassionate / merciful person grieves over broken relationships, he is a natural builder of bridges, a mender of breaches, a “peacemaker.” He works to bring about Jesus’ prayer in John 17, desiring to see the Body of Christ united, and functioning, in love. 

4. HE DOES OPPORTUNITIES TO GIVE PREFERENCE, OR PLACE, TO OTHERS

The person with this Gift of Compassion / Mercy is the one who will give up his own interests to help others, let others step in live in front of him, give others the best seat, or wait patiently for others. 

5. HE IS CAREFUL WITH HIS WORDS AND ACTIONS IN ORDER TO AVOID HURTING OTHERS

Because the last thing a compassionate, merciful, person wants is to be the cause of hurt to another person he will be extremely careful in his actions, and speech, in order to keep from hurting others. 

6. HE IS DEEPLY LOYAL TO FRIENDS

A person with the gift of compassion / mercy demonstrates loyalty to a friend to the extent that he will even react harshly toward those who attack his friends. When the Apostle John, with the gift of compassion/mercy, watched the Samaritans reject Jesus, whom he love he wanted to call down fire from heaven to consume them (See Luke 9:54). 

7. HE IS TRUSTWORTHY, THEREFORE, TRUSTING

Because the compassionate, merciful, person is trustworthy, he expects others to be also, that is why he assumes that everyone is honest and reliable until absolutely proven otherwise. He can be so trusting, in fact, that he may tend to be gullible. 

8. HE AVOIDS CONFLICTS AND CONFRONTATIONS

The person with the gift of compassion/mercy longs, and will do anything, for peace and harmony, that is why he finds it difficult to cope with conflict. 

9. HE ALWAYS LOOKS FOR THE GOOD IN PEOPLE

Because the compassionate, merciful, person is non-critical not only does his focus remain on the good, both real and potential, in others, but he also seems to have built-in blinders that keep him from seeing the bad in others. 

10. HE HAS A NEED FOR DEEP FRIENDSHIPS

The very nature of a person with the Motivational Gift of Compassion/Mercy requires close friendships, friendships where there are mutual commitments and constant reaffirmations. John enjoyed such a friendship with Jesus. He was not only closer to Christ than more of the other disciples, but he referred to himself as “the disciple whom Jesus loved” (See John 13:23; 19:26; 20:2; 21:7 and 20).

 11. HE IS RULED BY HIS HEART RATHER THAN BY HIS HEAD

The heart plays the major role in the life of the person with the Motivational Gift of Compassion / Mercy because he heart is the channel through which he shares God’s wonderful love with others. 

12. HE SENSES THE SPIRITUAL AND EMOTIONAL ATMOSHPERE OF A GROUP OR AN INDIVIDUAL 

A gift of compassion/mercy enables one to sense the dynamics of a spiritual, and emotional, atmosphere. It is almost as if one can visualize invisible feelers, or antennae, on the head of one with the Motivational Gift of Compassion / Mercy because he is so incredibly sensitive to the emotional status of others, whether they are up or down, elated or blue, confident or fearful.  

13. HE EASILY DETECTS INSINCERITY OR WRONG MOTIVES

Because the compassionate, merciful, person’s “built-in radar system” helps him to detect ulterior motives, or insincerity, of any kind, he will back off from a person, or a group, when he senses this. 

14. HE EMPHATHIZES WITH HURTING PEOPLE

One with the gift of compassion/mercy has an ever-present – ready to empathize –characteristic that attracts him to those who are hurting or in distress. The compassionate, merciful, person cannot only sense which individuals are 
hurting, but he also has the ability to share pain with them. The compassionate, merciful person can, as well, sense the full scope of emotions of those who are hurting. 

15. HE REJOICES TO SEE OTHERS BLESSED AND GRIEVES TO SEE OTHERS HURT

Because the person with eh motivational Gift of Compassion / Mercy has an immense capacity to identify with what others are going through he has an ability to “rejoice with those who rejoice,” and to “weep with those who weep.” 

16. HE TAKES ACTION TO REMOVE HURTS AND RELIEVE DISTRESS IN OTHERS

The person who is motivated by compassion / mercy is not only drawn to the hurting, but will also do something about the hurt, whenever possible. Whereas the exhorter will try to help a person find benefit from his hurt, the person with the gift of compassion/mercy will try to remove the person from source his of hurt; The message of john’s first epistle was for Christians to stop “hurting” each other. (See 1 John 3:11 and 15). 
                                                                                
17. HE MAKES DECISIONS BASED ON BENEFITS

One motivated by the gift of compassion/ mercy will find it hard to be firm because he does not want to offend others. However, as he matures in this gift, he must come to realize that greater hurt, and offenses, may occur if he fails to be decisive. When John was faced with denying Jesus, he demonstrated a boldness and decisiveness that caused the Sadducees to marvel (See Acts 4:13.) 

18. HE IS DEEPLY SENSITIVE TO LOVED ONES

Because the gift of compassion/mercy carries with it the ability to sense genuine love, it, therefore, also carries with it a greater vulnerability to deeper, and more frequent, hurts from those who fail to demonstrate sincere love. John used the word “love” in his Gospel and epistles more times than did any of the other disciples.  

19. HE IS DRAWN TO OTHERS WITH THE GIFT OF COMPASSION

Those with the Motivational gift of Compassion/Mercy are naturally drawn to each other. They enjoy sharing with each other, praying together, just being together. They may not think alike, but they feel alike. They have the same emotional reactions to people and situations, and share the same degree of concern for them. 

20. HE ATTRACTS PEOPLE IN DISTRESS

One who is motivated by the gift of compassion/mercy has a deep  understanding of people who are going through mental, or emotional, distress. This sensitivity causes those who hurt to be drawn to him and confide in him. When Jesus died, He transferred responsibility for his grieving mother to John (See John 19:2627). 

21. HE INTERCEDES FOR THE HURTS AND PROBLEMS OF OTHERS

Like those with the Motivational Gift of “Perceiving,” – and those with the Motivational Gift of “Giving” – those with the Motivational Gift of “Compassion Mercy” is, most likely to be called to, and anointed for, intercessory prayer. They intercede primarily for the hurts and problems they have become aware of in other people’s lives. 
Because their prayers are deeply, moving, heartfelt, expressive prayers, it is not unusual for them to be moved to tears as they intercede. Because those with the Motivational Gift of Compassion/Mercy usually pray with an abandonment that forgets that there are others present, they are unashamed of their tears or of other 
expressions of emotions. 

22. HE IS A CRUSADER FOR GOOD CAUSES

In the eye of the person with the Motivational of Gift of Compassion/Mercy, right needs to prevail. If there is evil at work in society he strives to overcome it, usually in “silent witness” fashion – by participating – for instance, in sit-ins, picketing, peace marches, our mail-outs. If he has a more extroverted personality, or a strong secondary “speaking gift,” he may address political rallies or appear on television, however, no matter what he does, it is done with the motivation to bring about change. He tends to be altruistic, not wanting any special benefit for himself, but rather, for others. 

23. HE IS MORE CONCERNED ABOUT MENTAL AND EMPOTIONAL DISTRESS THAN PHYSICAL DISTRESS

The person with the Motivational Gift of Compassion/Mercy will probably be the first one to visit someone who goes to the hospital and, then, he will inquire about this person’s comfort and medical prognosis. His greatest area of concern for the one who is ill will be how he is feeling – what he may be worrying about – whether or not he is fearful – whether or not he senses the Lord’s presence in this time of need. 

24. HE LOVES DOING THOUGHTFUL THINGS FOR OTHERS

The person motivated by compassion/mercy will remember birthdays, anniversaries, Mother’s Day, and Father’s Day, Valentine’s Day – and find a host of other occasions on which to send cards, or notes, just to remind others that he cares. 

25. HE WILL MEASURE ACCEPTANCE BY CLOSENESS

A person with the Motivational Gift of Compassion/Mercy tends to need physical closeness in order to be reassured of acceptance, a closeness that includes rich times of fellowship. John sought out the closest place to Jesus at the Last Supper and leaned upon the Lord and this same need for physical closeness may also have been what prompted his request to sit next to Christ in glory (See Mark 10:35-37).   

HE REALIZES THE NEED OF PROPHETS FOR BALANCE

The statement that “opposites attract” is certainly true with the Motivational Gifts. The mature person with the Motivational Gift of Compassion/Mercy should realize his need for the one with the Motivational Gift of Prophecy / Perceiver – knowing that the firm truth of this gift is balanced with the gentle love of compassion. John spent more time with peter than with any other disciple. (See Luke 22:8; Acts 3:1-11; 4:13-19 and 8:14).  

27. HE DOES NOT LIKE TO BE RUSHED IN A JOB OR ACTIVITY

The person with the Motivational Gift of Compassion/Mercy has one speed: “Slow Forward” – which means that punctuality may be a problem. Given a job, he will finish it, but not necessarily on schedule – because – time doesn’t seem important to him. Because he is a “NOW” person, and lives for the moment, he figures that the 
future will take care of itself, just as long as he is about his Father’s business in the present. 

DANGERS THAT COMPASSIONATE/MERCIFUL PEOPLE NEED TO BE ALERT TO 

The Motivational Gift of Compassion/Mercy is potentially both the most beautiful gift of all – and the most emotionally destruction gift of all! It all depends upon the degree to which the compassionate, merciful, person had overcome his own emotional wounds. 

Compassionate, merciful, people are the most vulnerable to hurts because their hearts are the most open to others. When they are betrayed there is virtually no protection, no shell, no 
tough hide or callousness to deflect the attack.

 1. TENDING TO BE INDECISIVE

It is difficult for the person with the Motivational Gift of Compassion/Mercy to make decisions. He will ponder the possible consequences, delay as long as he can, or transfer the responsibility to others if possible. 

2. TAKING UP OFFENSES

Because a compassionate/merciful, person cannot stand to see another person hurt or offended, he is quick to take up the offended person’s cause, especially if the one being hurt is a friend. Here is how it generally happens: “A” says something hurtful to “B.” The person with the Motivational Gift of Compassion/Mercy observes what has happened – joins in with “B” – and becomes upset with “A.” If, meanwhile, “A” and “B” make up, and restore their relationship, the compassionate/merciful person may still hold a grudge again “A.”  If the Body of Christ is working together properly, before the one with the Motivational Gift of Compassion/Mercy gives comfort, someone with the 
Motivational Gift of Prophecy/Perception should check out what caused the hurt, and, then, someone with the Motivational Gift of Exhortation should give steps for properly responding to that hurt. 

3. BECOMING POSSESSIVE

The deep need for commitment in a close friendship can cause those with Motivational Gift of Compassion/Mercy to monopolize the time, and attention, of others. As he experiences disappointments in one friendship, he then, tends to place greater demands on a new friendship. 

4. TOLERATING EVIL

If those with the Motivational Gift of Compassion/Mercy do not have spiritual discernment as to why people suffer, they may give sympathy and encouragement to those who are suffering as a direct result of violating God’s moral laws. The one with the Motivational Gift of Compassion/Mercy must learn discernment by seeing people through the eyes of the other spiritual gifts. 

5. FAILING TO BE FIRM

When a person with the Motivational Gift of Compassion/Mercy is given a position of leadership, he will tend to avoid disciplinary action that is needed. As a result, the person who should have been disciplined is not
brought to repentance. This can cause those with the Motivation Gift of Prophet/Perception to oppose his leadership and, perhaps even, others with the Motivational Gift of Compassion/Mercy to oppose those with the Motivational Gift of Prophets/Perception. 

6. LEANING ON EMOTIONS – VERSES  – REASON

Because the person with the Motivational Gift of Compassion/Mercy has such sensitive feelings, he tends to base his decisions on emotions rather than on principles. His subjective reasoning can easily cause him to reject Biblical doctrines that seem harsh to him. 

7. BEING EASILY HURT BY OTHERS
 
No one gets hurt as easily as the compassionate, merciful, person because he is the most vulnerable. 

8. EMPHATHIZING TOO MUCH WITH THE SUFFERING OF OTHERS

When one with the Motivational Gift of Compassion/Mercy empathizes too completely with the suffering of others, it can weigh him down and render him ineffective in ministry. 

9. DEFRAUDING OPPOSITE SEX

Because one with the Motivational Gift of Compassion/Mercy has such ability to show love, and because so many people need to feel loved, it is easy for his affection to be misconstrued, or misinterpreted, by a member of the opposite sex. One f the opposite sex tends to be drawn to one who has the gift of compassion/mercy. This attraction comes about because of the ability of the one motivated by compassion to be a sensitive, understanding, and responsive listener. Therefore, it is wise for one with the Motivational Gift of Compassion/Mercy to consider this dynamic in any relationship that he has with a person of the opposite sex. 

10. REACTING NEGATIVELY TO GOD’S PURPOSE

Unlike the person with the Motivational Gift of Exhortation, who looks at suffering as a means of receiving more grace and growing spiritually, those with the Motivational Gift of Compassion/Mercy tend to react negatively to the idea that God could ever allow a good person to suffer.  
WARNING 
Unless the one who has the Motivational Gift of Compassion/Mercy 
maintains a proper perspective, he can easily become bitter toward God 

11. FAILING TO SHOW DEFERENCE

When a person motivated by compassion-mercy demands physical closeness in a friendship, he may fail to consider others who also need that person’s time and attention. It would seem that it was this very reason, John was reproved for his request to be next to Jesus in His Kingdom. 

12. CUTTING OFF INSENSITIVE PEOPLE

A person whose words, and actions, reflect insensitivity to the feelings of other people will be quickly recognized and reacted to, by one with the Motivational Gift of Compassion-Mercy. Rather than trying to help this insensitive person, the one motivated by the gift of compassion will tend to close off his spirit to, and his fellowship with, that person. 

Scripture for those who would like to make a further study on what the Bible has to say concerning one who has the 

Motivational Gift of Compassion/Mercy: 

The Good Samaritan – Luke 10:30-35 
Ruth – The book of Ruth 
Joseph (the “legal” father of Jesus) – Matthew 1:16-24; 2:13; Luke 1:27; 2:4-5; 3:23; 4:22; John 1:45 and 6:42 
Rachel – Genesis, chapter 29 through 31, 35, 46 and 48:7;  
Ruth 4:11; 1 Samuel 10:2; Jeremiah 31:15 
Rebekah – Genesis 22:23; 24:29; 35:8; 49:31 
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To cap this off, the description of someone with the Motivational Gift of Compassion / Mercy would be someone who: 

1. Can sense when people have hurting feelings 
2. Reacts to those who are insensitive to other people’s feelings 
3. Is able to discern genuine love 
4. Desires deep friendship where there is mutual commitment 
5. Seems to attract people who then tall him their problems 
6. Finds it difficult to be firm, or decisive, with people 
7. Tends to take up offenses for those whom he loves 
8. Needs quality time to explain how he feels 
9. Wants to remove hurt from those who suffer 
10. Often wonders why God allows people to suffer 

Let’s say that someone spills a plate of food on the carpet floor, a person with the Motivational Gift of Compassion/Mercy would probably react by saying something like . . .“Don’t feel badly, it could have happened to anyone!”  

If, for instance, a person with the Motivational Gift of Compassion/Mercy were to visit a sick person, they probably 
would respond with something like . . .“I can’t being to tell you how I felt when I learned you were sick. How do you feel now?”  

Perchance a speaker accidentally spills a glass of water that was on the pulpit while he was speaking, the person with the Motivational Gift of Compassion / Mercy might retort with something like . . .“Don’t feel badly, last the 
speaker did the very same thing.”    

Motivation of the Compassionate, merciful Person is to relieve hurts and embarrassment 
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 UNDERSTANDING THE COMPASSIONATE / MERCIFUL PERSON 

The individual with the Motivational Gift of Compassion/Mercy empathizes for other people. He senses their feelings, and has a desire to do what he can to help them – to elevate any hurt or embarrassment. He is always for the “under dog,” has a feeling for them and will do all he can to help him.  

The compassionate, merciful, person, not only has a sense of those who are hurting, but will give himself to do whatever needs to be done to help the those who are hurting. 

THE PROBLEMS OF THOSE WITH THE COMPASSIAN/ MERCY MOTIVATION  

Those with the Motivational Gift of Compassion/Mercy are moved by their emotions – the ability to “identify” with those in need of help and, because of this, have a tendency to be too soft. And, because of this inclination to be fearful that they might hurt someone, may not be so quick to give correction, or reproof, as needed.  

Because of this ability to feel deeply, they have a tendency to pick up the offense of others –– making the dilemma a personal assault unto them self. 

The problem is the fact that God has promised in His Word to provide His “Grace” to any believer going through a problem, however, He has not, necessarily, promised that “sufficient Grace” to others who might voluntarily become involved into the situation. 

Many a church problem would never take place if no one “took up the offense” of others, in attempting to fight someone else’s battles. 

BIBLICAL – COMPASSIONATE / MERCIFUL MOTIVATION 

The Good Samaritan – Luke 10:29-37 – is a good example that Jesus gave 

Hosea – the book of Hosea – Hosea was motivated by compassion and mercy.