“Since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, each of us is to exercise them accordingly... he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness” (Ro 12:6, 8).

The true and certain, regular and ordinary, main Biblical meaning, sense, or use of the word is to have heartfelt compassion on someone in need. For example, in the Greek, “mercy” (Ro 12:8) here primarily means to compassionately help the afflicted, whether to give help to the one asking for it or to bring help to the one who needs it. For example, the story of the good Samaritan (Lk 10:33). [Perhaps it should be called the story of the compassionate Samaritan or the story of the compassionate regular Joe.]

Look at the specific parts of the story which defines mercy as compassion. “But a Samaritan, who was on a journey, came upon him; and when he saw him, he felt compassion, and came to him and...” (Lk 10:33, 34). “Which of these three do you think proved to be a neighbor to the man who fell into the robbers’ hands?” And he [a lawyer] said, “The one who showed mercy toward him” (Lk 10:36, 37). And so we see that the compassionate feelings and actions of the Samaritan man toward the one injured was characterized and described as “mercy” by a lawyer of Moses’ Law.

Every Christian ought to be cheerful in the use of his gift, but it is especially fitting for those with the gift of mercy. As Paul said, in order to properly use the gift of mercy it must be used with cheerfulness: “exercise them accordingly [i.e. gifts]... he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness” (Ro 12:6, 8). In the Greek, “cheerfulness” here means readiness of mind, promptness, or willingness. So, to show mercy with cheerfulness means to be ready and willing to compassionately help a needy person, just like the compassionate Samaritan did. [Now to clear up some confusion, some translations say, in different places, “be of good cheer” (Ac 27:25 KJV, meaning be of good courage. It is a different Greek word than the one Paul used for “cheerfulness” in regards to using the gift of mercy.]

Jesus showed mercy with cheerfulness, with readiness. For example, when asked for mercy, He readily offered it, saying, “I am willing; be cleansed” (Mt 8:3). And, “I will come and heal him” (Mt 8:7). And, “If You are willing, You can make me clean.” Moved with compassion, Jesus stretched out His hand and touched him, and said to him, “I am willing; be cleansed” (Mk 1:40, 41). As Jesus said about the gifts that He gave to His disciples: “Freely you received, freely give” (Mt 10:8). That verse sums up what it means to be a cheerful giver. No matter what gift you have received from God, freely, willingly, and promptly use it to help those who truly need it.