The Nature of the Diaconate (3): The Office of Mercy

In examining the nature of the diaconate, we have noticed that it is an office of authority and of administrative service. These aspects also characterize the nature of the other offices; pastors and elders also have authority to serve God by administering to the church God's Word, rule, and care for His people. How, then, does the nature (not merely the work) of the office of deacon differ from that of the other offices? For if all three offices have the same nature, we would in essence have...