Oh, Mercy me!

Before going to Peru, everyone on our team was asked to take a Spiritual Gifts Analysis to find out what our gift is.  Mine:  Showing Mercy and Pastor/Shepherd.  I was pretty much off the charts on mercy, which wasn't a surprise!  I've always found myself being able to show empathy towards others, understand, and/or comfort them.  I love people and I have a huge desire to be there for them.  I try to help in anyway I can, whether it be talking, inviting them to hang out, sharing stories of my past struggles I've overcome (as well as those I still battle with today), and praying for them.  


Recently, I've questioned if I were using my gift properly or "too much".  Can a person go overboard on trying to be there for someone?  Does there come a time where you just stop trying to invest your time or thoughts into someone?  Some say there is.  I, however, don't.  It's hard for me to think about giving up on someone and thinking of them as a "lost cause".  I don't think there is anyone who is a lost cause.  Everyone deserves someone to be there for them.  Again, would you say that is my extreme mercy talking?  


I've been turned down on hangout invites with friends more times in the past 6 months than in my entire 26 (almost 27) years I've been living.  I've dealt with random spurts of being completely ignored and avoided.  I've been told not to waste my time on certain people.  I've felt used.  Yet I still keep trying.  Maybe its time I take a step back, while continuing to pray and give it all to God.


btw, if you haven't done a Spiritual Gift analysis to find out what your spiritual gifts are, you can do it online here:  http://www.churchgrowth.org/cgi-cg/gifts.cgi

Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed.  If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble.  Ecclesiastes 4:9-10