General Gifts : Prophecy, Serving, Teaching, Encouraging, Giving, Leading, and Showing Mercy
Romans 12:6-8 represent a diverse set of gifts given by the Holy Spirit to believers for the purpose of building up the Church and serving others.
In this section we will delve deeper into the gifts of serving, giving, leading, and showing mercy, exploring their biblical basis, practical application, and teachings from the Catholic Church.
1. Serving (Diakonia)
Definition: The gift of serving, or diakonia, is a special ability to provide practical help and support to others, often through humble and selfless acts.
• Martha’s Service: Martha is known for her hospitality and service to Jesus and His disciples (Luke 10:38-42; John 12:2). Though she is sometimes critiqued for being overly focused on tasks, her willingness to serve is commendable.
• Jesus Washing the Disciples’ Feet: In John 13:1-17, Jesus exemplifies the ultimate act of service by washing His disciples’ feet, teaching them to serve one another humbly.
Practical Application:
• Hospitality Ministries: Those with the gift of serving often excel in hospitality, ensuring that others feel welcome and cared for in the church setting.
• Community Service: This gift can be expressed through various acts of community service, such as organizing food drives, volunteering at shelters, or helping with church maintenance.
Catholic Teaching: The Catholic Church values acts of service, seeing them as expressions of love and humility. The ministry of deacons (diakonia) exemplifies this gift in ordained ministry, where deacons are specifically called to serve the needs of the community. However, all believers are encouraged to serve according to their capacities (CCC 1570; 1937).
2. Giving
Definition: The gift of giving involves a special capacity to share resources generously and joyfully, often going beyond what is expected to support the needs of others and the work of the Church.
• The Widow’s Offering: Jesus commends the widow who gives two small coins, noting that she has given more than the others because she gave out of her poverty (Mark 12:41-44).
• The Early Church: The early Christians are described as selling their possessions and sharing with anyone in need, demonstrating the gift of giving in action (Acts 2:44-45; Acts 4:32-35).
Practical Application:
• Financial Support: Those with the gift of giving may contribute financially to support the church, missionaries, and various charitable causes.
• Resource Sharing: This gift can also involve sharing time, talents, and other resources to benefit others.
3. Showing Mercy
Definition: The gift of showing mercy involves a deep empathy and compassion for others, particularly those who are suffering, and the ability to act to alleviate their pain.
• The Good Samaritan: The parable of the Good Samaritan illustrates the gift of showing mercy, as the Samaritan goes out of his way to care for an injured man, providing immediate help and ongoing support (Luke 10:30-37).
• Jesus’ Compassion: Jesus frequently demonstrated mercy through His healing miracles and compassionate responses to those in need (e.g., Matthew 9:35-36; John 8:1-11).
Practical Application:
• Pastoral Care: Individuals with this gift may serve in pastoral care ministries, providing emotional and spiritual support to those who are hurting.
• Charitable Work: This gift can also be expressed through involvement in social justice initiatives, advocacy for the marginalized, and direct assistance to those in need.
Catholic Teaching: Mercy is central to Christian life, reflecting God’s own merciful nature. Acts of mercy are encouraged through both the corporal and spiritual works of mercy, calling believers to respond to others with compassion and care. The Church emphasizes the importance of mercy in its mission, following the example of Christ who embodied perfect mercy (CCC 2447; 2448).
The charisms of serving, giving, leading, and showing mercy are vital to the life and mission of the Church. These gifts, bestowed by the Holy Spirit, equip believers to serve in various capacities, contributing to the edification and unity of the body of Christ.