The God-given ability to have immediate compassion for those who are suffering combined with great joy in meeting their needs (e.g. the Good Samaritan in Luke 10:30-37).

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CHARACTERISTICS OF MERCY / COMPASSION:

• ​Loves to love

• Searches out the good in people

• Brings out the good in people

• Recognizes the spiritual and emotional, spiritual, and physical well being of others

• Considers others more important than self

• Chooses words carefully

• Recognizes the affect words can have

• Detects insincerity

• Loves to be thoughtful

• Is trustworthy

• Non-confrontational

• Unusually cheerful

• Thinks with the heart rather than the head

• Rejoices andor grieves with others

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CHALLENGES FOR MERCY / COMPASSION:

• Overly sensitive

• Caring may be misunderstood by the opposite sex

• Easily takes up other problems that are not their own

• Thinking with their heart leads to indecision

• Can be easily hurt by others unintentionally

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PLACES WHERE THIS GIFT CAN BE UTILIZED:

• Small group leader

• Homeless ministry

• Counseling ministry

• Hospitality of any sort

• Visitation and follow-up

• Prison ministry

• Greeters

• Any type of phone work

• Children's ministry

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MINISTRIES IN THE CHURCH BODY WHERE THIS GIFT CAN BE UTILIZED:

• Hospitality Coordinator

• Community Service Coordinator

• Church Leadership

• Missions Coordinator