Mercy and Prophecy: Two Contrasting—But Equal--Gifts

Compassion…concern…care…kindness.  When you see these words, do certain people come to mind?  Those are likely persons with the God-given gift of Mercy.  People with this gift come alongside others who are in pain, in need, or are lonely.  God’s grace and love is shown in practical ways through this gift.

These are people in our midst who have truly taken to heart what Paul says in 1 Timothy 1:16, “But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life.” Having this right view of themselves enables those, through the working of the Spirit in their lives, to offer support, comfort, and presence with those who are hurting, suffering, or grieving.

Almost at the other end of the spectrum is a gift that God uses to convict His people of sin and their need for repentance—the Gift of Prophecy.  Where Mercy brings caring to the family of God, Prophecy brings warning, challenge, correction, and confrontation without compromise.

Initially when we think of prophecy, we may picture animal-skin-dressed, unkempt humans in Scripture, boldly telling the Israelites—and others--to mend their ways.  Or, we might think of those who foretold the future—the coming Messiah, the destruction of Jerusalem.  But, what does the gift of Prophecy look like in the church today?

Prophecy is still a gift that God uses to convict His people of sin and their need for repentance. Prophecy today is the Holy-Spirit-empowered ability to speak God’s Word—His truth—into a situation, calling them to turn back to God, warning of the consequences of not doing so, and reminding people of the Lord’s promises and of His justice and judgment. Knowing the right timing to speak a word from God depends on the person with the gift of prophecy being prayerful and sensitive to the Spirit’s leading.

For those who have this gift, it’s often not an easy mantle to wear.  Although, as with all gifts, the gift of prophecy is to be used in love—the word of prophecy is to be delivered with the same intent as God’s—that He loves these people and desires that they repent and turn or return to Him.  However, even when this is done, the person/s receiving a prophetic word might, as the Spirit convicts them, blame the messenger (the person with the gift) and dismiss the message, as often occurred with the Old Testament prophets.

Prophets often exhibit a boldness—an assertiveness—and an honesty (with others and with themselves) that is both captivating and off-putting.  The Spirit working through the gift of prophecy shines light into our shadows—which can be necessary but uncomfortable.  Prophets live in the tension between knowing when to speak and knowing that these interactions might be awkward or downright difficult.

While it might seem easier to be around someone with the gift of Mercy, both gifts of Mercy and Prophecy are essential to the healthy functioning of the Body of Christ.  Both need to be exercised in a spirit of love.  Both are gifts given to individuals so that they might glorify God and strengthen the church.  One provides comfort;  the other stirs us from our spiritual lethargy. The Lord desires that both bring us closer to Him and to His purposes for us. These gifts are not opposites but two parts of the whole spectrum of gifts—each one representing a part of God’s character.

These two gifts along with over twenty others are how God has equipped us to serve Him.  God-given gifts make a far greater impact than simply using your own talents and abilities.

Shirley Giles Davis, author of the God. Gifts. You. Your Unique Calling and Design workbook, Your Unique Design Class Guide, Your Unique Design Facilitator Guide, and Gifts-Calling-Purpose blog, is a consultant, coach, facilitator who has worked with faith-based organizations, nonprofit agencies, and leaders in a diversity of fields for over 30 years. She has also been EquipConnectServe Director at her 1,200 member church since 1999.

Photo © Shirley Giles Davis, all rights reserved.