“Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.”
To exhort means to address or communicate emphatically urging someone to do something. People who have the gift of exhortation have an ability to help people live to their fullest, God-given potential by how they speak to others. They offer encouragement, support, and counsel to people with ease. Those with the gift of exhortation are quick to see and call out the gold in others. Because gifts of the Holy Spirit are from God, the gift of exhortation comes from a place of love.
You more than likely know someone with the gift of exhortation. Think of your friends – are there any that seem to always know just what to say and do to lift you up? The ones that can call out your faults and call you higher – all the while highlighting your strengths and uniqueness? They can say a hard thing in a way that is loving and kind. People with the gift of exhortation are able to do that so seamlessly because of their heart. The holy spirit in them has put a desire in their heart to see the people around them live like the children of God they are. They believe in the more for people.
This gift is valuable and crucial to the kingdom of God and the power that words of exhortation holds is incredible. When people are encouraged and pointed toward what Jesus says about them, they start to walk in more of their God-given identity. As people see other people living their life empowered by Christ, they see the character of Jesus. As people see Jesus, the kingdom advances!
So you want to gift of exhortation? Then ask for it! Ask God to help you to see the gold and the special things that He has put inside people. Ask Him to help you to be pure and generous with your encouragement. Ask him to give you and grow the gift of exhortation in you. Start calling out the good to you see in people. If you see something that looks like Jesus in them, speak it. When giving someone a word of encouragement, be sure that your words are focused upward (toward God), that they leave the person with a better understanding of who God is, and that they are honoring and loving.
