~ The Spiritual Gift of Exhortation ~
Opening Comment ~ “Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning. Of His own will He brought us forth by the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures” (James 1:16-18).
Category ~ We are still in the broad classification of grace gifts which I think of as the medical community. The Gift of Exhortation could be considered the spiritual Cardiologist.
Definition ~ This can also be called the gift of encouraging. It is the God-given ability to draw alongside someone to comfort, to encourage, to rebuke, or to provide spiritual insight which leads to positive action. Various commentators have used different terminology regarding this gift. John Phillips relates this gift closely to the “intention of truth” and points out that it is “addressed to the conscience and the heart.”
The work of the exhorter is to stir up the consciences of God's people so that truth does not become merely abstract theology but is worked out in practical, down-to-earth living.
“In many European homes, rooms are heated by small open fireplaces. Standard equipment with such a fireplace is a poker, a piece of metal used from time to time to stir up the smoldering embers so that they burst back into flame. This is the work of the exhorter. He must stir up the consciences of God's people so that truth does not become merely abstract theology but is worked out in practical, down-to-earth living.” —John Phillips
'Exhortation' is the Greek word 'paraklesis' literally 'a calling near' or 'a calling for.' In other words the underlying purpose of exhortation or encouragement is to comfort.
Scripture ~ “Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching; he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness” (Romans 12:6-8).
Biblical Examples ~ Joseph (Barnabas) – “Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means Son of Encouragement)” (Acts 4:36). He was such an encourager that he earned a nickname from the Apostles.
Traits ~ An encourager understands the feelings and attitudes of other people.
An encourager feels deep concern for people who are going through difficulties.
An encourager likes to talk with people either in a group or individually.
An encourager seeks Biblical principles as a guide for daily activities.
An encourager tells people what changes need to be made in their lives without offending them.
An encourager stays with people and encourages them to achieve a task once they have started it.
An encourager enjoys talking with people, sometimes neglects own responsibilities to get too involved.
An encourager tailors a program of action to assist people with their difficulties.
An encourager refuses to be discouraged by difficulties since they are opportunities for personal growth.
Closing Comments ~ “Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity. Till I come, give attention to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you by prophecy with the laying on of the hands of the eldership. Meditate on these things; give yourself entirely to them, that your progress may be evident to all. Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you” (1 Timothy 4:12-16).
“Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:6-7).
“As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God” (1 Peter 4:10).
~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW blog.
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