Gift of Exhortation

“Therefore I, the prisoner of the Lord, implore you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing tolerance for one another in love, being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as also you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all who is over all and through all and in all.” Ephesians 4:1-6

Has anyone ever encouraged you? What was the result? Didn’t it urge you to do your best, to keep going, to try again? The ability to speak to someone’s need and give encouragement is an invaluable gift.

The body of Christ and every home need encouragers (exhorters). There are many Christians who are gifted in this manner - maybe you. There is the one who often puts his or her arm around another and understands their hurts and needs, their disappointments and fears.

The exhorter goes one step further and explains how biblical principles can take you from bondage to freedom, from empty to full, from worried to confident.

Everyone ought to have an exhorter to whom they can go for encouragement and exact counsel. If this is your motivation, look for opportunities. God has gifted you to guide and build up others with encouragement.

These words describe the exhorter:
Spirit / Flesh
Wisdom / Inclinations
Discernment / Judgmental
Faith / Presumption
Discretion / Simple-minded
Love / Selfish
Creative / Underachievement
Enthusiasm / Apathy

Think about it -
Exhorters are oriented toward discipleship, growth, and maturity. They are encouragers.