Gift (Ministry) of Encouragement/Exhortation

Outline of my 30 minute discussion in my grad class.

Romans 12:6-8 NIV
6 We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. 7 If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; 8 if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.

Romans 12:6-8 NASB
6 And since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let each exercise them accordingly: if prophecy, according to the proportion of his faith; 7 if service, in his serving; or he who teaches, in his teaching; 8 or he who exhorts, in his exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.

David Lim, Spiritual Gifts: A Fresh Look, regarding the list in Roman’s 12:6-8, mentions that “Four seem less noticed gifts: serving, encouraging, giving, showing mercy. Among them are three public ministries: prophesying, teaching, leadership.” (241) I have come to the conclusion that the gift of encouraging may not seem noticeable, but it deeply impacts other gifts.

Word study: “exhort.”
(Vine's Expository Dictionary of Biblical Words, Copyright © 1985, Thomas Nelson Publishers.)
A. Verbs.
1. parakaleo: "to call to a person" (a) "to call on, entreat"; (b) to admonish, exhort, to urge one to pursue some course of conduct.
2. paraineo: "to speak of near" or "to tell of, speak of," then, "to recommend."
3. protrepo: literally, "to turn forward, propel." (encourage).
B. Noun.
paraklesis, akin to parakaleo: "a calling to one's side," or "to one's aid." (a) an appeal, (b) encouragement, (c) consolation and comfort.
Romans 15:4 – the idea of parakletos, "an advocate, comforter."

Interestingly, parakletos, variously translated as Comforter, Counselor, or Advocate, is used in John’s gospel to refer to the Holy Spirit (John 14:16, 26; 15:26; 16:7), and in his epistle to refer to Jesus (I John 2:1).

What parallels are we able to see between the Holy Spirit, as presented to us by Jesus, and which exists between the ministry of the Holy Spirit, and that of a Christian in relation to the gift of encouragement/exhortation?

In Scripture, who comes to mind when we think of “encouragement? Barnabas (Acts 4:36)

The name ‘Barnabas’ comes from the Aramaic, and probably refers to the gift of exhortation (encouragement). His real name was Joseph, but the disciples called him Mr. Encouragement.

What do we find modeled in the life and ministry of Barnabas?

Barnabas was focused on people. You might call him a “frog kisser.” God used Barnabas to touch people whom we might call “losers” and turn them into princes. Barnabas was willing to embrace people who others would not.

In Acts 9:27 we discover Barnabas reaching out to Saul of Tarsus who had been a persecutor, now Paul who had converted. Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles. He became Paul's advocate. The church accepted him and his ministry in Jerusalem flourished. Barnabas watched him and took note of this.

In Acts 11, Barnabas is the one who sought out Paul of Tarsus, brought him to Antioch, and included him in his ministry. Because of Paul’s previous reputation, no one wanted to touch him with a 10-foot poll.

He had a discerning eye for potential grace and giftings. When the church the church in Jerusalem heard that a church in Antioch had been planted, the one individual that they thought would be a good encourager for these new believers was Barnabas. He could always find something good in people. That’s what his name implied. (Acts 11:22-24 The Message) “When the church in Jerusalem got wind of this, they sent Barnabas to Antioch to check on things. As soon as he arrived, he saw that God was behind and in it all. He threw himself in with them, got behind them, urging them to stay with it the rest of their lives. He was a good man that way, enthusiastic and confident in the Holy Spirit's ways. The community grew large and strong in the Master.” Reproducing leaders are looking to fan into the flames the embers of graces (gifts). Other people are only interested in being critical of the imperfections in people’s lives. Barnabas saw the potential in people in spite of their weaknesses and imperfections. He sought to draw the best out in people.

In Acts 15, Paul and Barnabas had a heated argument over another loser, John Mark. Barnabas wanted to take Mark along on their missionary journey. Paul had other ideas. Mark had already failed to finish a previous missionary journey. Paul ended up taking Silas. Barnabas took Mark. In later years, Paul wrote Timothy, saying, “Get Mark and bring him with you because he is helpful to me in my ministry.” (2 Tim. 4:11)

The gift of exhortation is manifested in people who offer encouragement, wise counsel, support, and empowerment. Those who exhort and encourage stay focused on helping people maximize their own potential and live out their own gifts and skills. Exhorters/Encouragers help other people to build confidence and not grow discouraged. Those with the gift of exhortation/ecouragement make others feel good just by their presence.

Reflection Question:

What other spiritual gifts best complement exhortation (encouragement), and enable us to increase the value and impact of this gift?