Rev. Cyril A. Stevens – Sermon 0112A recorded on November 25, 1979 teaching from Romans 12:3-9 – Gifts of the Spirit #8 – Mercy.
Pastor Cyril A. Stevens explores the spiritual gift of mercy, identifying it as the final and most sensitive of the seven basic motivations required for a healthy, balanced church leadership. Those possessing this gift are characterized by a profound empathetic sensitivity, allowing them to mirror the joy or distress of others and a deep-seated desire to remove emotional hurts to bring about mental healing. Despite its beauty, Pastor Stevens warns that this gift is often misunderstood as weakness or indecisiveness, and its practitioners must guard against the dangers of emotionalism and taking up the offenses of others. Ultimately, Stevens gives an exhortation for believers to identify their personal gifts so the congregation can function as a complete, spirit-filled body that reflects the grace of God.