Chapter 24: The Gifts of Giving and Mercy

I. The Ministries in the Body

A. In Romans 12 and 1 Corinthians 12, Paul compares the church to the human body. The church has often looked uncoordinated with factions pulling it in different directions. The Holy Spirit unifies the body and helps it to coordinate in a smooth movement.

B. Some ministries in the body receive more attention than others. Paul warns against a pride in our ministry that leads us to draw attention and glory to ourselves (Romans 12:3).

C. There are some ministries that are as important as the more noticeable gifts but are rarely seen. The gift of giving (Romans 12:8 “he that giveth”) is one of these.

1. There are some people that are always willing to share their money or their time with those in need. God channels abundant resources into these people because He knows His gifts will not be bottled up but will flow through those with the gift of giving (2 Chronicles 16:9).

2. Our giving should be with simplicity rather than with a display (Luke 21:1–4). Unfortunately, the church often encourages the wrong kind of giving and people lose their heavenly reward for what they have given (Matthew 6:1–4).

3. We should not give with any strings or attachments. We should not allow the recipient to feel obligated to us.

4. The resources will dwindle if we start to bottle them up or use them for ourselves.

D. Those who are given the gift of mercy are able to build up a member with spiritual needs without making him uncomfortable.

1. Those who have fallen need to know that the door back to God is still open and that He is merciful and forgiving. We should be merciful and forgiving, too.

2. We should be aware that a harsh and condemning attitude is not as effective in dealing with a wayward saint as love is. We should go to the person in meekness and gentleness in an attempt to restore him to fellowship, remembering that we encounter temptations too (Galatians 6:1).