Christianity Oasis Forum

[JGeesey]

I have the spiritual gift of mercy but I think I may have crossed the line between having mercy and sacrificing myself completely. I've spent my whole life thinking and taking care of others first completely ignoring myself. Now I'm weary and I'm tired of always being last, ignored, forgotten, and overlooked. I know the bible says we are to be living sacrifices and to think of others as better than ourselves but I don't know how to do that while still taking care of myself. I struggle with a healthy balance.

[Mackenaw]

Hello JGeesey,

God bless you this day, and welcome to Christianity Oasis.

Bless your heart. When we get tired, it is not uncommon for our thought processes to get weary too. Remember to refresh with The Lord, daily, and be reminded that it is God working through you and that those acts of Mercy are from Him, and to God be all the glory.

Not everyone you come in contact with is going to be gifted in the Mercy gifting from The Lord, the same as you are. Therefore, your needs and other peoples' needs won't be as obvious to them. It's okay to need help, but you'll probably have to ask for it. No shame in needing help, and no shame in asking for it.

My husband has the gifting of Mercy. I'm in awe of how God works through him. I also recognize when he needs some good rest and blessed refreshing via one-on-one time with The Lord -- especially if he gets a tad resentful. God doesn't ask us to do anything without providing us the means by which to do it.

I'm glad The Lord lead you here to this site. I enjoy discussing the real life challenges we face when trying to represent Christ, with other Christians such as yourself.

Prayers are rising to The Lord in the name of Jesus on your behalf. God The Father's will be done.

I hope you'll continue to share.

God bless and keep you,
Mack

[Mackenaw]

Hello JGeesey,

I had to come back and add something else that I forgot to type in my last response.

As far as people taking advantage, yep, there are some that will. Some unintentionally, and sadly others that intentionally will do so. It's tough to say no sometimes isn't it? And I would imagine it's even tougher for someone like you, a Mercy, to say no. But, with prayer and practice you can do so, and God will even help you in that regard.

When you find yourself getting taken advantage of, say a prayer, and then tell them you cannot provide the assistance in the form they are wanting. Be kind, be patient, but be firm. God loves you and He loves them. If it is a family member, offer some suggestions that they can do the deed themselves, etc. Encourage them, but still be firm.

God bless you, JGeesey,
Mack

[mlg]

Hello JGeesy,

God Bless you. I too was guilty of giving away too much of myself at one time. I honestly have found that Satan uses this as a weapon against me. He will try to keep me so busy doing, that I forget to just take time for myself and rest in God.

There is a Bible story about two ladies named Mary and Martha that I think on often. I feel led to share the story with you today.

Luke 10:38-42
38 Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house.
39 And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word.
40 But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me.
41 And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things:
42 But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.

I often found myself being a Martha, when I really need to be more of a Mary. I'm not going to say I'm completely there yet, as I find that I have to remind myself at times to slow down and focus on God. But I do strive to be more of a Mary and I'm working on it. I encourage you to do the same in your walk.

Take care and God Bless

[Real]

Hi,
I had the same problem. I was told I needed balance in my life. This is hard for me. GBU