The Gifts of Giving, Leadership, and Mercy

March 28th, 2025
by Lance Waldie

Romans 12:6, 8 Since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, each of us is to exercise them accordingly… 8 he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.

A fifth spiritual gift given by God to the Church for those who would offer themselves to Him as living sacrifices is “he who gives” (Gr. metadidōmi), or the gift of giving. In Luke 3:11 the word is used for sharing one’s tunic with someone who does not possess one. In Ephesians 4:28 it is used as an exhortation for those who work to contribute the fruit of their hands with the needy. Paul uses it in Romans 1:11 for sharing his spiritual gift with the church in Rome and in 1 Thessalonians 2:8 with the sharing of the gospel itself. This means that the gift is not limited to those who have been blessed with great riches in the church but for all who have something to share with those in need, including the gospel to the lost! John Calvin suggested that the gift of giving could qualify as a church office, distributing benevolence to the needy within the church.

The more accepted definition for the gift of giving, however, is that it describes those who give freely from the wealth, or poverty, they possess. With this in mind, Paul tells those who have this gift to give with “liberality,” a term that means “sincerity; simplicity.” It implies that one who gives should do so without any ulterior motive of gaining favor with man or God. They are to give with simple and gracious impartiality without seeking any gain for themselves.

The sixth gift is that of leadership in v. 8, literally “one who guides” (Gr. proistēmi). Though never used of government leaders in the NT, the term is used of the man’s headship in the home (1 Tim. 3:4-5, 12) and in the church (1 Tim. 5:17). In 1 Corinthians 12:28, Paul refers to the same gift by a different name, both of which mean to “guide.” In Acts 27:11 and Revelation 18:17, it is used of one who steers a ship. This leadership, in order to be effective, must be done with “diligence” (Gr. spoudē)—with passionate zeal. So whether this gift is exercised by a pastor, elder, deacon, or husband, it is to be carried out enthusiastically for the cause of Christ.

The final gift Paul lists is mercy (Gr. eleaō), very much akin to the gift of giving. Mercy in the NT is predominately used in reference to God the Father and Jesus His Son. But Paul uses it here for the first time in reference to Christians who can show God’s mercy to those in need. Though it carries the connotation of aid to the poor, it is much more broad in this context to include any act of mercy—visiting the sick, caring for the disabled, providing for the poor, etc. What Paul adds to mercy is the attitude of “cheerfulness” (Gr. hilarotēs) so as to avoid any hint of a grudging or downcast attitude. As the Greek term reveals, from which “hilarious” derives, showing mercy is that which brings great joy to both the receiver and the giver. Those who are drawn to this ministry of mercy within the church most likely have this spiritual gift. Those who are not-so drawn to mercy within the church might not have the spiritual gift, but they ought to be reminded always of God’s mercy on them, perhaps compelling them to participate in mercy.

Food For Thought
Having a renewed mind in view of God’s great mercy is the first step in the process of growing in Christ. In turn, we can also help others to grow in Christ as we shape and perfect our God-given gifts and abilities. We serve an awesome God who has been so merciful and kind to us. Not only has He saved us from who we were, He has also blessed us beyond measure, giving us an opportunity to serve Him and bring greater blessings upon our own lives. The more we study the holiness of God, the more we will see the sinfulness of our own sins. And one sure-fire way to battle the sin that so easily entangles us is to engage in the ministries of the Holy Spirit. We can be transformed by putting our gifts to work, and in so doing, our minds will be renewed.