Gift of Exhortation

An exhorter speaks words into another person's life that can give direction, instruction, and help that person apply the truth of scripture to their lives. The exhorter is an encourager.

Encouragement is an interesting word. When most of us think of encouragement, we think of affirming another person's behavior or achievement. We may also think of comforting or consoling. "Way to go!" "Good job!" "You can do it--keep going!" "You're almost there!" "You'll do it next time!"

Merriam-Webster Dictionary gives these definitions:

• to inspire with courage, spirit or hope
• to attempt to persuade
• to spur on

I like the definition of "to inspire with courage."

What I have found in my interactions with fellow believers, is that often exhortation/encouragement comes in the form of spurring them on in an area where God wants growth, change of attitude or behavior, or stretching. In that case, I find myself speaking words that give them the courage to (with God's help) make the change.

You see, we can speak truths, but unless we also have the words of "giving courage" or "spurring on," those truths may not be applied in the live of the hearer. The exhorter, led by God, is able to help the person hear the truth and see the possibility of applying it.

When I think of exhortation, I usually think of encouragement--speaking truth and encouraging application, but I also think of timing. Timing is born of the Spirit. He gives the right word at the right moment, and the exhorter's job is to listen to Him and follow His lead.

"The right word at the right time is like
precious gold set in silver." Proverbs 25:11

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