The Gift of Mercy: “ the Responder”

In The Greek: Eleeo: To help one who is afflicted or seeking aid. It’s not predicated on whether or not the aid is deserved or earned. It’s used in reference to sparing someone but also consoling them.

Responders are the first ones to show up and stay when a friend or loved one is in crisis. They are heartfelt and sincere and stand out in wherever life takes them.  Responders are insightful and enjoy sitting for hours in deep conversation. The gift of mercy is the gift of time and Responders give that in bulk. Responders are creative, kind, and have very active imaginations. They can come across as perfectionists when working on a project because they have a vision for how it should be done. Responders are great counselors, therapists, medical professionals, pastors, and you’ll find a disproportionate amount of them in creative artistic fields: such as writers, poets, and performers.  

John is a vivid example of a Responder in the Bible. He was called The “disciple whom Jesus loved.” He ran to his friends in crisis, not away from them.  John was the only disciple present at the crucifixion. It was John who Jesus asked to take care of His own mother.  He asked him because He knew John would do it. When word of Jesus’ resurrection came, John was the first one to the tomb. He was creative and unique among the disciples. He wrote a Gospel of Jesus, but His was different than the other three. You can feel His Responder gift coming through his epistles. He was the one Disciple with the creativity, poetry, and heart to receive, hear, and record what we know as the book of Revelation.