The Gift of Exhortation – Stirring the Hearts of Believers
📖 Scripture Focus:
Romans 12:8 – “If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously…”
☆ Devotional Thought:
The gift of exhortation, also known as encouragement, is like a spiritual spark that ignites courage, strength, and renewed purpose in others. It is not mere compliments or flattery but Spirit-empowered words and actions that lift others toward their divine calling.
Exhorters have the ability to see the gold in others—even when it’s buried under fear, failure, or fatigue. They speak life into dry bones, helping believers rise again. This gift is essential in today’s church, especially as many grow weary in their walk.
Biblical exhorters like Barnabas (“son of encouragement”) show how pivotal this gift is in building up others. He stood beside Paul when no one believed in him and mentored John Mark despite his earlier failure (Acts 9:26-27, Acts 15:37-39). Without such encouragement, much of what we read in the New Testament might not exist!
In a world where many feel forgotten or unseen, exhorters remind others that God is still writing their story.
☆ Reflection Questions:
- Do your words uplift or discourage those around you?
- Who has God placed in your life right now that needs encouragement?
- Have you ever felt God’s prompting to encourage someone but held back?
☆ Action Steps:
- Reach out to someone today with a word of encouragement—a message, a scripture, a prayer, or a call.
- Ask the Holy Spirit to sharpen your sensitivity to the emotional and spiritual needs of others.
- Begin journaling names of people you regularly pray for and encourage.
💬 Encourage others by sharing your reflections or testimonies in the comment section on the blog. Let’s grow together as a community of encouragers!
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