Christian Family Services Ministry

12-4-2019 – A Word to the Wise – THE ACQUISTION OF MERCY: Why and How

Patience is obtained through endurance of unpleasant situations or circumstances. How often I hear, “I will not ever pray for the Lord to teach me patience again.” Usually this follows a very trying experience. The person is unwilling to undergo the character training necessary to produce the character quality of patience. Acquiring and using mercy is no different

The character quality of Mercy is obtained by experiencing significant pain; emotional, mental, physical, or spiritual. Acquiring mercy is very painful. Not long ago I was explaining to a client the painful process necessary if one is to develop the trait. The individual let me know quite bluntly they had no desire to acquire mercy they would do just fine without it. How unfortunate. It reminds me of the rich young ruler who came to Jesus wanting to be a disciple. Once learning the cost he decided to choose a different path.

So it is with Mercy. Perhaps we should offer a glimmer of insight into the benefits of mercifulness. Jesus, in the Sermon on the Mount tells us that the one who is merciful will obtain mercy.

How is this gift utilized? How does one go through the process? First one observes one hurting. The source of the pain may be physical, emotional, mental, or spiritual. Second, the one with the gift of Mercy places themselves in contact with the person hurting. Three, the Mercy takes the pain off the other person. Four, there is an awareness on the part of the Mercy that a transfer of pain has occurred and that they are now hurting. Fifth, the Mercy then goes through the process of giving up the pain to the Lord. Sixth, deep fatigue sets in. Seventh, is the recovery period.

These different stages are necessary for the Mercy if they are to successfully reduce suffering on a regular basis. Each stage requires training brought about painful experiences, and an unselfish willingness to take another’s pain. Now why would anyone want to go through all of this pain? Is it worth it? God’s Word tells us that this is exactly what Jesus did for us leaving us an example that we are to follow.
What difficulty lessens or even blunts the gift of Mercy? In my experience the one who has the potential frequently is so obsessed with sensing their own pain they are unable to experience other trauma.

Who are those most apt to develop the skills necessary to help others? First of all those who have been given the gift of Mercy which represents about 30 % of the general population. Second born children, are another group representing a large segment of society who tend to possess the skills necessary to exercise this trait. A combination of the two, one possessing the gift of Mercy and second born individuals makes the ability very intense.
Now one has to decide if they are courageous enough and willing to make themselves available to the hurting of the world.