The Spiritual Gift of Exhortation
Service Gift — Romans 12:8
παράκλησις (par-ak’-lay-sis) — /para, close beside + /kaleo, to call. A calling to one’s side — to comfort, urge, encourage. The same root produces παράκλητος (Paraklete) — the title Jesus uses for the Holy Spirit in John 14:16. The Exhorter functions in a parallel human role: coming alongside and calling people to remain faithful to God’s goals.
Exhortation as Defined
- Encourage — HEB 10:25
- Console — JOH 11:19
- Urge — ROM 12:1
- New Perspective — 1TH 5:11
- Call Beside — MAR 1:40
Exhortation is a motivational gift. God uses it to tell believers to begin and remain faithful to His goals.
Exhortation as Named
Jesus exhorted the paralyzed man — Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee (MAT 9:2). Barnabas was surnamed Son of Consolation by the Apostles (ACS 4:36) — a name earned by the consistent exercise of this gift. Paul exhorted the Thessalonians to comfort one another with the words of resurrection hope (1TH 4:13).
Exhortation as Ministry
The Exhorter keeps the Body moving forward. Discouraged believers find direction. Wavering believers find courage. The gift is not cheerleading — it is Spirit-powered motivation anchored in truth.
Serving in Exhortation
Avoid the temptation of trying to fix people. Avoid becoming a dumping station for chronic complainers. Avoid gossip while encouraging the whole body. Avoid manipulation — wait on people to follow God, not you.