VII. Mercy

A. The Greek word is eleew "eleeo" and means to be merciful, to be compassionate, to be tender-hearted, to comfort.

B. We are all supposed to be merciful, compassionate, comforters, etc., but some people are this by nature.

C. Characteristics of a mercy person.

1. Is very sensitive to the feelings of others. They have the ability to feel the atmosphere of joy or distress
2. Is also very discerning of sincerity or insincerity in others. Discern the motives of others.
3. Senses when something is wrong, when something is disturbing a person. Attracted to people in distress, bringing in the 'down and outers'.
4. Empathizes with and comforts those in distress or trouble.
5. Want to remove the hurts of others, sometimes at their own expense.
6. Concerned for mental stress rather than physical need.
7. Expresses a joyful compassion in critical situations, such as, with the bereaved, etc.
8. Creates an atmosphere of love and compassion. Enjoy unity with others who are sensitive to needs.
9. Sensitive to words and actions.
10. Enjoys meeting the emotional needs of others. They love people and want to remove their emotional wounds.

D. The mercy person's greatest joy is in comforting others when they are in trouble.

E. The mercy person's greatest dangers are:

1. Their avoidance of firmness may appear as weakness.
2. Bases decisions on emotions instead of principles. May be lead by their emotions rather than by the spirit.
3. They attract the opposite sex. Affectionate nature often misinterpreted by the opposite sex
4. Easily hurt by others
5. Empathizes too much with the suffering of others
6. Tends to monopolize the time and attention of others because of deep needs for commitment in close friendships
7. Places greater demands on new friendships when previous friendships have proven disappointing
8. Sometimes lacks discernment as to why people suffer, and thus gives sympathy and encouragement to those suffering as a result of sin
9. Tends to avoid giving discipline when in a leadership position
10. Reacts and becomes bitter in regard to the idea that God allows a good person to suffer
11. Reacts to those who are insensitive to the feelings of others