What's the gift of Mercy?

I was reading Romans 12 when I came across a list of gifts given to the church. They included the gift of prophecy, serving, teaching, encouraging, giving, leadership, and the gift of mercy. I had to stop and wonder, what is the gift of mercy exactly? I can't think of anyone who has ever claimed to bear this gift!

In the Greek, mercy means to be full of pity and actively compassionate.

A more elaborate and descriptive definition was found in the Journey Shape Guide book. "The ability to willingly and practically help those who are suffering or in need - compassion moved to action, especially those suffering physical, mental, or emotional problems, or the lonely and outcast."

Jesus tells the parable of the Good Samaritan in Luke 10:25-37 and then asks, "Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?" The expert in the law replied, "The one who had mercy on him," Jesus told him, "Go and do likewise."

It's pretty safe to say that we are all supposed to be merciful, or actively compassionate, towards others in need. But according to Romans it's also a gift and for whatever reason this really piqued my interest. Could this be my gift?

It was during a time of prayer when the Lord gave me the tag line for Alegria Ministries: "Joyfully Going, Joyfully Doing." It was catchy and cute, but did it accurately reflect the heart of this ministry? I'm not one to argue with the Lord, however, so I ran with it. It's only been a few years --haha-- but I finally understand the true meaning behind it! Romans 12:8 reads, "If (your gift) is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully."

Yep, I have the gift of mercy. I love helping others and I do it willingly with ALEGRIA (joy AND cheer)! I'm so grateful to the Lord for His prompting to aptly name this ministry.