MOTIVATIONAL GIFTS

Source: Christiansunite.com

Applying the Gifts

We have previously defined the gifts and made some other comments elsewhere in these articles concerning all the different kinds of gifts that are operational in the Body of Christ.

In the following several articles we will discover these gifts more fully and also now learn how to apply these gifts in ministry in our personal lives. [The last article dealt with the Manifestation Gifts.]

EXHORTATION
Definition: Greek word; paraklesis; literally to “call to one’s side”; encouragement, consolation. “The God-given ability to encourage others in the Body of Christ through words or deeds, in such a way that they feel strengthened and helped.” Giving direction and support in spiritual things also. The act of laying such motives before a person as may excite him to performance of any duty.

Key Verse: Romans 12:8 The word in the King James Version is ‘exhortation.’

Scriptural references and examples:

John 14:16, 26; 15:26; 16:7-The word translated “Comforter” in the KJV is this Greek word paraclete. This is a form of the verb paraklesis. Hence the Holy Spirit is described in these verses as ‘the encourager.’

Acts 14:21, 22- Paul and Barnabas encouraged the new disciples.

Acts 27:22- Paul encouraged the shipmates not to give up, but to be of good cheer.

1 Timothy 4:13-Paul lists encouragement as one of the activities Timothy, the young pastor, was to give attention to.

Hebrews 10:25-One of the opportunities and benefits of corporate worship is encouragement. Our worship services, our Bible studies, our home fellowships, our youth services, etc. are to be so spirit-filled and relational that people leave encouraged.

Notes and observations of the Gift of Exhortation:

While all Christians are to uplift and encourage others, some Christians are gifted by the Holy Spirit to lift and strengthen others. Paul lists it as one of the gifts of the Spirit, ‘charismata’, of Romans 12. Some people have altogether different understanding of “exhortation.” The person with this gift sees the bad, but concentrates on the good.

Consider Barnabas. His name means, ‘son of encouragement,’ Acts 4:36. Let’s note how he was constantly encouraging:

Acts 4; 36, 37-He encouraged the needy saints in Jerusalem by selling his land and giving the money to help the poor. 4:34, 36, 37
Acts 9:26, 27-He encouraged Paul by endorsing an unwelcome convert.
Acts 11:23, 24-He encouraged the Gentile believers by accepting them into the fellowship of the early church.
Acts 15:37-39-He encouraged a young preacher, John Mark. Even though this young man had been a ministerial drop-out, Barnabas expressed confidence and faith in him even when Paul did not. Later, Paul acknowledged that this same John Mark was an important part of his ministry. 2 Timothy 4:11

This gift is vital in our church today. While so many forces are doing their best to tear us down, we need those who will build us up through the gift of encouragement.

Exhortation is considered as a great branch of preaching, though not confined to that, as a person may exhort while he doesn’t preach; though a man can hardly preach if he doesn’t exhort.

Practical Ways to put This Gift to Use:

1. Writing letters or notes of encouragement and appreciation.
2. Looking out for disheartened Christians and allowing the Spirit to give you a word of encouragement for them. Perhaps, an arm around the shoulder might suffice sometimes.
3. Encouraging discouraged pastors and other Christian’s leaders.
4. Preaching, teaching, singing.
5. Committees in our church need someone with this gift. Often committees or deacon boards will get bogged down. This person can lift their spirits and breathe new life into their efforts.
6. This gift is often combined with other ones such as music, pasturing, teaching, helps, etc.
7. Nursing home/shut in.
8. Hospital visitation.
9. Jail ministry.

God Bless,
rECj/LJG