Wednesday, January 16, 2008

The Gift of Exhortation

Last night, I spoke at a dinner for the women's ministry at Morrison Heights Baptist Church in Clinton and had a lovely time (thanks, ladies). Someone pointed out how important it is that we encourage each other as there are many hurts that our friends, family and co-workers are going through now which we probably know nothing about. Encouragement would be a "gift of exhortation" which is spoken about in Romans 12:8. It is one of the ministry gifts the Holy Spirit gives certain individuals.

The Holy Spirit is called the "Helper" in John 14:26. He exhorts (or encourages) people in their growth in God, encourages them to be all they can be, for God's glory. We need to see exhortation is a ministry--a much needed ministry in this day and time. There are always plenty of people around us who are willing to give up if something does not happen to encourage them in their faith walk. As an exhorter, you and I actually prevent someone from backsliding or giving up! Also in John 14:26, the Holy Spirit is called the "Comforter". People who exhort bring comfort, they just simply make people feel better--about themselves, their circumstances, their past, about the present, about the future, about anything else that concerns them.

Some people are very gifted in this area. I know of several people who are natural exhorters (my mother is one of them). Everything that comes out of her mouth is something to make others feel encouraged. I am learning the importance of the gift of exhortation and am trying to remember that people are hurting and need to be encouraged all around us.

"Therefore encourage (admonish, exhort) one another and edify (strengthen and build up) one another, just as you are doing." I Thessalonians 5:11

2 comments:

John said...

Strange how it works. Pray continually for someone you have had problems with and eventually the sting or hurt is gone.
No matter how bad things are for you, when you raise other people up, you are raised up at the same time.

Dixiedaize said...

Barbie-

Last year, you spoke at an Alfa Insurance meeting. Since then, I've not missed a day reading your daily inspirations! Thank you for being such a strong woman of the Lord and not giving up when Satan tries to discourage you with others' rude and ridiculous emails & comments. You don't know how many times you've lifted my spirits and how God has used you to speak to me. You are truely a blessing!

Holly Barber